contract."

Miss Conroy became much interested in the ears of her horse.

"The only thing to decide is whether you like me enough. If you do, we'll
sure be happy. Never mind Harry."

"You're very generous," she flared, "telling me to never mind Harry. And
Harry's my own brother, and the only near relative I've got. I know
he's--impulsive, and quick-tempered, perhaps. But he needs me all the more.
Do you think I'll turn against him, even for you?"

That "even" may have been a slip, but it heartened Rowdy immensely. "I don't
ask you to," he told her gently. "I only want you to not turn against me."

"I do wish you two would be sensible, and stop quarreling." She glanced at
him briefly.

"I'm willing to cut it out--I told you that. I can't answer for him,
though." Rowdy sighed, wishing Harry Conroy in Australia, or some place
equally remote.

Miss Conroy suddenly resolved to be strictly just; and when a young woman
sets about being deliberately just, the Lord pity him whom she judges!

"Before I answer you, I must know just what all this is about," she said
firmly. "I want to hear both sides; I'm sure Harry wouldn't do anything
mean. Do you think he would?"

Rowdy was dissentingly silent.