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I lowered my eyes as he came toward me, and held out my hand I could not look into his face; I was afraid of what I ht do He took my hand and I curtsied; when he released my hand I went to the pianoforte, thankful to sit

"What do you wish, brother?" I asked Kevin

"Oh, sing Dainty Davie!" he said

I did so, and then changed to "My love is like a red, red rose" Kevin began to sing along withsounded as we finished, and I looked up

Robbie was looking at o in to dine!" and I heard ourdown the stairs

Supper was lively with Robbie there He and Kevin keptwith stories of their escapades I pretended to eat to keepmore than Robbie's presence to fill me up I drank wine and nibbled at bits of food His face, his voice, his laugh thrilled me more than ever and I realized that a different kind of attachment had formed in me; the possessiveness that I had felt toward him previously was solidified The union of our bodies had joinedrooh the past days did not exist, as though our association was unchanged

"So, Barry Norwood has not co for your hand yet, Jessie," he said

"No indeed!" I said, and flushed "He need not do so, either, for a stupider boy I have neverthe cards "Perhaps he is not stupid but wise to look elsewhere for a bride"Kevin laughed and said, "Yes, indeed! Perhaps Norwood is more clever than we think! Why would he want a hoyden for a wife?"

I found my voice "Hoyden, indeed," I said with a snort which would have drawn a reprientleer follow you about everywhere you go? I no longer enjoy the freedorown up I ahed uproariously "A lady!" said Robbie "Do you hear that, Kevin?

The bairn says she has grown into a lady!"

I said, "You wish to have me married, yet you treat me as a child!"