one of us girls on the street he seems so embarrassed, and looks away or
at the ground, as if he thought we should not like to bow to him, or
meant to cut him. I'm sure we'd cut our heads off sooner. It's enough to
make one cry, such times, to see how wretched he is, and so sensitive
that no one can say a word to cheer him. Did you notice what he said
about leaving town? I hadn't heard anything about it before, had you?"

"No," said Henry, "not a word. Wonder where he's going. Perhaps he thinks
it will be easier for him in some place where they don't know him."

They walked on in silence a few moments, and then Madeline said, in a
musing tone--

"How strange it would seem if one really could have unpleasant things
blotted out of their memories! What dreadful thing would you forget now,
if you could? Confess."

"I would blot out the recollection that you went boat-riding with Will
Taylor last Wednesday afternoon, and what I've felt about it ever since."

"Dear me, Mr. Henry Burr," said Madeline, with an air of excessive
disdain, "how long is it since I authorized you to concern yourself with
my affairs? If it wouldn't please you too much, I'd certainly box your
ears.

"I think you're rather unreasonable," he protested, in a hurt tone. "You
said a minute ago that you wouldn't permit me to be jealous of you, and
just because I'm so anxious to obey you that I want to forget that I ever
was, you are vexed."