to her innocent familiarities.

They were innocent. Of that she was sure, for Joyce coquetted with
either sex impartially and unconsciously.

All through her silent brooding Tommy talked incessantly. He had passed
from the subject of the doctor and Joyce Meredith to Bobby Smart who had
obtained a transfer to a distant station on the railway, and was
rejoiced that he would soon see the last of Mrs. Fox with whom he was
"fed up."

"I don't admire him for talking about her, or you for listening," said
Honor, paying scant attention to the subject of Bobby Smart.

"I didn't. I had to shut him up rather rudely; but Bobby is
thick-skinned and, like some fellows one meets, a dangerous gossip, and
the last man a woman should trust."

"I wonder much why women are so blind. They are fools to care for, or
trust men," Honor said gloomily, and looking depressed.

"You must never say things like that to me," Tommy blurted out,
offended. "You must discriminate between those who are honest and those
who are the other thing. You might trust me with your life--and
more----"

"I dare say all you men say that!"

"And all don't mean it as I do. _I_ am discriminating; consequently,
there is only one girl in the world for me...." He choked unable to
proceed, and looked the rest into her clear eyes.

"Don't, Tommy!--this is why I hesitate to come out with you," she said,
looking annoyed.

"I can't help caring for you," he answered defiantly. "It's an
unalterable fact, and you may as well face it. I have cared ever since
school-days. It has been my one hope that you too would care--in the
same way."

"And I have tried to show you in a hundred ways that it is of no use,"
she said kindly. "Can't you be content to be--just pals?"

"No. So long as you remain unmarried I shall keep on hoping."

"And I cannot do more than tell you it is of no earthly use." She
avoided looking at him again for the knowledge that his face betrayed
the depth of his disappointment. "Perhaps it would be better if we gave
up riding and tennis together, and you tried to take up some other
interest?" she suggested.

But Tommy laughed unboyishly with a cracked sound in his throat. "I
won't say anything more about it, if it annoys you, Honey, but don't for
God's sake give me the push. I'm coming to the Club just the same for
tennis with you, and shall call to take you out riding when I may--like
this. You need not worry about what I have said. I dare say I'll