Nancy's red lips pouted. 'I don't want you to love me,' she said.

'I've got to do it.'

'How are you going to do it?'

'I'm--I'm not quite sure. I'm never going to be angry with you. And it's
very hard--'

Here a deep-drawn sigh broke from him. 'It's _very_ hard, but I've got to
tell you I'm sorry I wouldn't let you cross the bridge first, and I'm
sorry I said I hated you in church.'

Nancy's bright dark eyes peered inquisitively into the dreamy blue ones
opposite her.

'Are you really sorry?' she said.

'I think I am, at least part of me is; my enemy isn't, but I am.'

This was beyond Nancy's comprehension.

'And you'll never get angry, or set those horrid boys at me any more?'

'No, I never will.'

Here a big rosy-cheeked apple was produced hastily out of the other
pocket, and presented as a peace offering.

It was taken in silence; then as Nancy's white little teeth met in it she