in her voice or manner caused Jim to hold his daughter
at arm's length, and look full into the brown eyes; "What do you
mean, girl?"

Sammy laughed in an uneasy and embarrassed way. She was not sure
that she knew herself all that lay beneath the simple words. She
tried to explain. "Why, I mean that--that Ollie and I have both
grown up since we promised, and he has been living away out in the
big world and going to school besides. He must have seen many
girls since he left me. He is sure to be changed greatly, and--
and, maybe he won't want a backwoods wife."

The man growled something beneath his breath, and the girl placed
a hand over his lips; "You mustn't say swear words, Daddy Jim.
Indeed, you must not. Not in the presence of ladies, anyway."

"You're changed a heap in some ways, too," said Jim.

"Yes, I suppose I am; but my changes are mostly on the inside
like; and perhaps he won't see them."

"Would you care so mighty much, Sammy?" whispered the father.

"That's just it, Daddy. How can I tell? We must both begin all
over again, don't you see?" Then she sent him away to his work.

Sammy had finished washing the dinner dishes, and was putting
things in order about the house, when she stopped suddenly before
the little shelf that held her books. Then, with a smile, she
carried them every one into her own room, placing them carefully
where they could not be seen from the open door. Going next to the
mirror, she deliberately took down her hair, and arranged it in
the old careless way that Ollie had always known. "You're just the
same backwoods girl, Sammy Lane, so far as outside things go," she
said to the face in the glass; "but you are not quite the same all
the way through. We'll see if he--" She was interrupted by the
loud barking of the dog outside, and her heart beat more quickly
as a voice cried, "Hello, hello, I say; call off your dog!"

Sammy hurried to the door. A strange gentleman stood at the gate.
The strangest gentleman that Sammy had ever seen. Surely this
could not be Ollie Stewart; this slender, pale-faced man, with
faultless linen, well gloved hands and shining patent leathers.
The girl drew back in embarrassment.

But there was no hesitation on the part of the young man. Before
she could recover from her astonishment, he caught her in his arms
and kissed her again and again, until she struggled from his
embrace. "You--you must not," she gasped.

"Why not?" he demanded laughingly. "Has a