"You seem to have taken the town into your confidence,"
said Armorer, bitterly, though he had a sneaking inclination
to laugh himself; "do you need all your workmen to help you
court your girl?"

"I'd take the whole United States into my confidence rather
than lose her, sir," answered Harry, steadily.

Armorer turned on his heel abruptly; it was to conceal a smile.
"How about my sister? did you propose before her?
But I don't suppose a little thing like that would stop you."

"I had to speak; Miss Armorer goes away tomorrow.
Mrs. Ellis was kind enough to put her fingers in her ears
and turn her back."

"And what did my daughter say?"

"I asked her only to give me the chance to show her how I loved her,
and she has. God bless her! I don't pretend I'm worthy of her,
Mr. Armorer, but I have lived a decent life, and I'll try hard
to live a better one for her trust in me."

"I'm glad there is one thing on which we are agreed,"
jeered Armorer, "but you are more modest than you were this noon.
I think it was considerably like bragging, sending that woman
to tell of your heroic feats!"

"Oh, I can brag when it is necessary," said Harry, serenely; "what would