Alice gave him a quick glance that thrilled him strangely. "So
Lawrence said for you what you would have liked to say yourself? One
would imagine he knew your feelings."

"Yes," said Foster steadily, "I didn't tell him, but I think he did
know."

He stopped and Alice looked down at the table for a moment. Then she
looked up again and met his fixed gaze.

"After all, you would have liked to have my gratitude?"

There was something in her face that stirred his blood, and forgetting
his drawbacks he made a reckless plunge.

"I wanted it tremendously, but it wasn't enough."

"Not enough! Aren't you rather hard to satisfy?" she asked with a hint
of pride that deceived but did not stop him.

"I'm afraid I'm very rash," he answered quietly. "You see, I wanted
your love; I wanted you. But I was afraid to ask."

She looked at him in a way he did not understand, although her manner
enforced a curious restraint.

"Now I wonder why?"

"You're so beautiful! I durstn't hope you'd come down to my level.
I'd nothing to offer."

"You have unselfishness, loyalty, and unflinching steadfastness. Are
these nothing?"

Foster felt embarrassed, but the sense of restraint was stronger.
Alice had somehow imposed it and he must wait until she took it away.
He thought she wanted him to finish.

"Then I knew my disadvantages. In many ways, Canada is a hard country,
and I'm poor."

"Did you think that would count for very much? We are not rich at the
Garth."

"I seemed to know that if by any chance you loved me, you would not
flinch. But there were other things; your upbringing and traditions.
I couldn't hope your parents would agree."

Then Alice got up with a quiet grace he thought stately and stood
facing him. There was a strange new softness in her eyes that had yet
a hint of pride.

"I don't think I am undutiful, but it is my right to choose my husband
for myself." She paused and his heart beat fast as he waited until she
resumed: "The evening I came to the orchard I had chosen you."

He held out his hands with a low cry of triumph and she came to him.

Next morning Foster saw Featherstone, who listened without surprise,
and then remarked: "It would perhaps have been better if you had come
to me before the matter went so far; but I can't lay much stress on
this. The times are changing."

"I couldn't, sir. You see, until last night----"

Featherstone nodded. "Yes, of course! But all that's done with.