"No it was mine; I suggested it to her; but she approves of it. Don't
you like it?"

"Yes. I hope I sha'n't die while you are trying to live without me. Shall
you be very long?" She frowned, and he hastened to say, "I do like your
idea; it's the best way, and I thank you for giving me a chance."

"We are going out to my father's ranch in Colorado, at once," she
explained. "We shall start to-morrow morning."

"Oh! May I come to see you off?"

"No, I would rather begin at once."

"May I write to you?"

"I will write to you--when I've decided."

She gave him her hand, but she would not allow him to keep it for more
than farewell, and then she made him stay till Mrs. Rock came back, and
take leave of her too; he had frankly forgotten Mrs. Rock, who bade him
adieu with averted eyes, and many civilities about seeing him again. She
could hardly have been said to be seeing him then.




XIV.