"I'm ASKING you!"

For answer he stood up, and smiled wistfully down upon her, with a
hesitancy she knew well how to interpret in his eyes. She should
not have asked him to dinner; he should not accept her invitation.
Yet he had been longing so thirstily for just that permission, and
she had been yearning so to give it! Happiness came back into both
their hearts as he turned to go, and she gave him just a quick
touch of a warm little hand in farewell. At such a moment, when
her mood of heroism gave way to melting, Isabelle had a desperate
sort of hope that one more concession would not alter the
inevitable parting, whenever it came. This time--and this time--
and this time--must positively be the last.

Other guests had come in, and Miss Field was extremely busy, and
Ward, helping her officially, was busy, too. She had indeed
offered her place to Isabelle, but Isabelle, spurred by her
mother-in-law's criticism, would not have disturbed her secretary
for any consideration now.

"No, no--stay where you are, my dear!" she had said. And Miss
Field remained.

"Fun to have you down here!" said Ward, in her ear.

Harriet Field had an aside with a maid regarding hot water. Then
she gave Ward an indulgent, an older-sisterly glance. He was in
years almost twenty-two, but at twenty-seven the young woman felt
him ages her junior. Ward was broad and fair, his light brown hair