I see. Well," sadly, "there's another one of my
dreams gone to smash. However, you did just right, dearie. Feelin' that
way, you couldn't marry him, of course."
He would have risen now, and she detained him.
"That was not the reason," she said, in a low tone.
"Hey?" he bent toward her. "What?" he cried. "That wa'n't the reason,
you say? You do care for him?"
She was silent.
"Do you?" he repeated, gently. "And yet you sent him away. Why?"
She faltered, tried to speak, and then turned away. He put his arm about
her and stroked her hair.
"Don't you cry, dearie," he begged. "I won't bother you any more. You
can tell me some other time--if you want to. Or you needn't tell me
at all. It's all right; only don't cry. 'Cause if you do," with sudden
determination, "I shall cry, too; and, bein' as I ain't used to the
exercise, I may raise such a row that Annie'll send for the constable.
You wouldn't want that to happen, I know."
This unexpected announcement had the desired effect; Caroline laughed
hysterically and freed herself from his arm.
"I mustn't be so silly," she said. "I had made up my mind to tell you
everything, and I shall. My not caring for Mr. Pearson was not my reason
for refusing him. The reasons were two--you and Steve.
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