He came up the steps cheerily and began talking at once. He was so glad to see Keith, and had he heard lately from Dr. Balsam?--"such a fine type of the old country doctor," etc.
No, Keith said; he had not heard lately. His manner had stiffened at the young man's condescension, and he rose to go.
He said casually to Lois, as he shook hands, "How did you hear the piece of news you mentioned?"
"Mrs. Nailor told me. You must tell me all about it."
"I will sometime."
"I hope you will be very happy," she said earnestly; "you deserve to be." Her eyes were very soft.
"No, I do not," said Keith, almost angrily. "I am not at all what you suppose me to be."
"I will not allow you to say such things of yourself," she said, smiling. "I will not stand my friends being abused even by themselves."
Keith felt his courage waning. Her beauty, her sincerity, her tenderness, her innocence, her sweetness thrilled him. He turned back to her abruptly.
"I hope you will always think that of me," he said earnestly. "I promise to try to deserve it. Good-by."