"Soon?" he flashed, with an eager difference in his voice.

"If I had my way it'd not be--too soon," she faltered. Her downcast eyes
had seen the stride he had made closer to her, and she wanted to run.

"Why? Dad thinks it'd be good for me," went on Belllounds, now, with
strong, self-centered thought. "It'd give me responsibility. I reckon I
need it. Why not soon?"

"Wouldn't it be better to wait awhile?" she asked. "We do not know each
other--let alone care--"

"Columbine, I've fallen in love with you." he declared, hotly.

"Oh, how could you!" cried Columbine, incredulously.

"Why, I always was moony over you--when we were kids," he said. "And now
to meet you grown up like this--so pretty and sweet--such a--a
healthy, blooming girl.... And dad's word that you'd be my wife
soon--_mine_--why, I just went off my head at sight of you."

Columbine looked up at him and was reminded of how, as a boy, he had
always taken a quick, passionate longing for things he must and would
have. And his father had not denied him. It might really be that Jack
had suddenly fallen in love with her.

"Would you want to take me without my--my love?" she asked, very low. "I
don't love you now. I might some time, if you were good--if you made dad
happy--if you conquered--"