rl pressed closer to
his side, explaining the necessity, pointing out that it was to be her
last little fling at the education for which she had planned so long, her
timidity where his mother was concerned, and her desire to enter the
family upon equal social terms.

"It is all tomfoolery," John answered with fixity of purpose. "You don't
need a thing that you haven't already got--except," he added slowly,
"except what mother could help you to. But that isn't the point. I shall
need you. It's time for me to get down to business and raise some money.
Between building the house and going"--John hesitated--"and not applying
myself as I should, I'm not making anything this summer. I want to get
away from this--from here--some day, and I want to begin real work at
once. Mother can help you in anything you don't know; she's up on all
those things; and we've got to get down to business," he repeated.

There was a tone of finality in it. Elizabeth recognized it, but her plans
were made and she was not ready to give them up.

"I can't go into your house, John, I simply cannot, without getting away
and learning some things. When I become your wife I want to be a woman you
are proud to take to your mother. I can't have it otherwise."

There was quiet while she waited for the answer to her assertion.
Elizabeth thought he was formulating a reply. The silence lengthened, and
still she waited. They were getting nearer the house and she moved more
slowly, drawing on his arm to check his advance. At last, realizing that
he did not intend to speak when they were just outside of the lighted
doorstep, Elizabeth stopped and, facing around so that she could see him
in the dim light, asked:

"What is it? What have I done to offend you?"

"Nothing, only it upsets every plan I have on earth. I tell you, it's all
foolishness; and besides, I need you. Now see here"--and he went on to
show her how his mother knew all the things she was going to Topeka to
learn, and to outline his schemes for the future.

Confused by his opposition, and not knowing just how to meet this first
difference of opinion, Elizabeth listened and made no reply. It was her
way to wait when disturbed until she saw her way clear. Elizabeth was
sound and sturdy but not quick and resourceful when attacked. John talked
on till he had finished his argument and then turned to the house again.
When they arrived at the step he said a whispered good-bye and was gone
before Eliz