Suppose we
don't talk of that until we get out of the present difficulties.'
"'Sensible idea,' says I. 'But when we are out, suppose you and I have a
talk on that subject.'
"She looked at the toe of her shoe for a minute again, turned red and
white around the gills, looked up at me, shyly at first, then fully and
fairly, stretched out her hand and said:
"'Yes; if you care to.'
"Course, I didn't _care_, or nothing--no more than a man cares for his
head.
"I guess that was about a half engagement, anyhow, it's the only one we
ever had. She said it would be ruinous to our plans if I was seen with
her then or afterward; and agreed to leave a note at the house for me by
next trip, telling me her plan--which she should talk over with her
father.
"A couple of days later I got in from a round trip and made a dive for
the boarding-house.
"'Any mail for me, mother?' I asked old Mrs. Cameron.
"'No, young man; I'm sorry to say there ain't'
"'I was anxious to hear from home.'
"'Too bad; but maybe it'll come to-morrow.'
"I was up to fever heat, but could do nothing but wait.
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