Nancy brightened up, much pleased and relieved by this assurance.

"I couldn't bear to think of your suffering for a meal of victuals
when we have so much in the house. I don't see why you can't stay at
home and get a place in the village."

Walter laughed.

"It wouldn't suit me at all, Nancy. I am going West to grow up with
the country."

"I wish I could be somewhere near, to look after you."

"It would be of no use, Nancy. Women are in great demand out there--at
any rate in Dakota--and you'd be married in less than no time, if you
went."

"You are only joking now, Master Walter."

"Not at all! I read the other day that of ten schoolma'ams who went
out to Dakota last fall, eight were married within three months."

"Nobody could marry me against my will," said Nancy resolutely.

"Perhaps he would find a way of overcoming your objections," said
Walter, laughing. "But I am afraid Doctor Mack couldn't do without
you. He couldn't spare you and me both."

"That's true," assented Nancy, who had not been so much alarmed at the