loved; and if the way to that end was shadowed and hard, it would not
be mended by their discussing it. Besides, he felt that Yanna would be
averse to such a discussion; and again Antony's own confidence with
regard to Rose bespoke a caution and reticence concerning affairs in
which there were complications it might be unwise to trouble.

In about an hour the Filmer dog-cart came at a rattling speed up the
avenue. Rose was driving, and her pace and air indicated to Yanna her
reckless high spirits.

"I am so glad to get shelter here, Yanna," she said. "At Filmer they
are turning the house outside the windows; there is not a quiet corner
to sit in, and think things over. Has Antony told you about the
ball?"

"I think you were 'the ball' to Antony. He has named no one else."

"Yanna, he looked splendid last night; just like a hero out of a book.
I made up my mind to completely conquer him, and he was so masterful,
so not-to-be-gainsaid, or contradicted, that I could not manage him.
In fact, he managed me. He made me say that I loved him. I do not know
'how' he did it; but he made me speak; and, the truth is, I liked
it."

"Dear Rose, do not go back upon your word. That would be mean and
cruel, for I am sure Antony has stayed in Woodsome all this summer
only for your sake."

"Suppose he has! That is nothing! If a man wants you to live with him
all his life, or all your life, one summer is a very little trial."

"Did you promise to be his wife?"

"Nothing so rapid, my dear. I do not give an inch and a mile in the
same hour. I simply admitted that I might--could--would--or
should--love him--perhaps. That was as much happiness as he was able
to carry. It went to his heart like twenty bottles of champagne to the
head. He is a delightful lover, Yanna! He will not take 'No.' You
cannot say 'No.' His words are like flame, and you feel that he means
every one of them. I have had lovers--oh, yes!--and their polite
compliments and placid emotions were to Mr. Antony's eager seeking as
the moonshine is to the noonday sunshine."

"Then be fair and true to him."

"Certainly! I intend to be so--in the long run. So we shall be really
sisters, Yanna! And we shall not have to learn to love one another. It
must be pretty hard on a girl to give up her brother, and learn to
love another girl at the same time."

"I never found it hard to love you, Rose. How soon will you give
Antony----"

"I have given Antony all I mean to give