"Ask her here," he said. "We all know what it is, Max. Go ahead
and we'll coach you."

"Will you coach ME?" I asked, for Mr. Harbison was listening.

"The woman does not need it," Dal retorted. And then, because Max
looked angry enough really to propose to me right there, I got up
hastily and went into the den. Max followed, and closing the
door, stood with his back against it.

"Contrary to the general belief, Kit," he began, "I did NOT
intend to ask you to marry me."

I breathed easier. He took a couple of steps toward me and stood
with his arms folded, looking down at me. "I'm not at all sure,
in fact, that I shall ever propose to you," he went on
unpleasantly.

"You have already done it twice. You are not going to take those
back, are you, Max?" I asked, looking up at him.

But Max was not to be cajoled. He came close and stood with his
hand on the back of my chair. "What happened on the roof
tonight?" He demanded hoarsely.

"I do not think it would interest you," I retorted, coloring in
spite of myself.

"Not interest me! I am shut in this blasted house; I have to see