us. I have had so many hard knocks in life that I know what they mean,
and I want to save you from them. Isn't it best to go along as we
are for a little while, till I can see my way to get my feet placed
somewhere else?"

"We must do so, Frank--for the time being." Her candor matched his. "I
do need this employment for the sake of my folks. Both of us must be
fair to ourselves--not silly. Only--"

Her forehead wrinkled again.

"I know, Vona! Britt's attentions! I'll take it on myself--"

"No," she broke in, with dignity. "I must make that my own affair.
It can be easily settled. It's pure folly on his part. I'll make him
understand it when I talk with him this afternoon."

"But I'll feel like a coward," he protested, passionately.

She put up her hand and smiled. "You're not a coward, dear! Nor am I a
hypocrite. We're just two poor toilers who must do the best we can till
the clouds clear away."

She went to him, and when her hands caressed his cheeks he bent down and
kissed her.

Then they applied themselves to their tasks in Mr. Britt's bank.