like her. I don't wonder you felt so about her. I don't know as I should
have thought much of you if you hadn't. Why, everybody falls down and
worships her. Of course I know that I am nothing compared to her. I
should be angry if you really thought so."

"I don't think so in one way," James said honestly. "I don't think you
are as beautiful as your mother, but I love you, Clemency."

"Well, that will do for me," said Clemency. "No, you need not kiss me
again. I think myself I shall make you a better wife than a
stepdaughter. You need not think for one minute that I would have minded
you as I do Uncle Tom."

"But you will have to when we are married," said James.

Clemency blushed and quivered. "Well, maybe I will," she whispered. "I
suppose I shall be just enough of a fool to stay in the house, if you
order me, the way I do when Uncle Tom does."

"You shall stay in the house for no man alive when I have you in
charge," said James. "Clemency--"

"What?"

"I will take you out now, if you say so. I can protect you."

"I know you can," Clemency said, "but I guess we had better not. You see
Uncle Tom doesn't know yet, and he will be coming home, and--"

"I am going to tell him just as soon as he does," declared James.