She could not write the real reason for breaking her engagement for the ride, and she could not express too much regret, or he would make other occasions she would have to refuse, if she followed out the course she had decided upon, to give Bernice no further occasion for jealousy.

It was the most difficult piece of composition she had ever attempted, and she was far from pleased with the stiff little note which she finally slipped into its envelope.
"It will have to do," she sighed, wearily, "but I know he will think I am snippy and rude, and I can't beah for him to have that opinion of me." In the very act of sealing the envelope she hesitated again with Katie's words repeating themselves in her ears: "It's more than she would do for you, if you were in her place." While she hesitated there came a familiar whistle from somewhere in the back of the house.

She gave the old call in answer, and the next moment Rob came through the dining-room into the hall, and paused in the library door.
"I've made my farewells to the rest of the family," he announced, abruptly.

"I met Betty and Mary down in the orchard as I cut across lots from home.

Now I've got about five minutes to devote to the last sad rites with you." "Yes, we're going on the next train," he answered, when her amazed question stopped him.