Smile if you will, but I won't give up my hero yet," and she tried to speak lightly, hoping to lead him away from a more dangerous topic.
"You'll have to look a long while, I'm afraid," and all the glow was gone out of Mac's face, for he understood her wish and knew his answer had been given.
"I have Uncle to help me, and I think my ideal grew out of my knowledge of him.

How can I fail to believe in goodness, when he shows me what it can be and do ?" "It's no use for me to say any more, for I have very little to offer.

I did not mean to say a word till I earned a right to hope for something in return.

I cannot take it back, but I can wish you success, and I do, because you deserve the very best." And Mac moved as if he was going away without more words, accepting the inevitable as manfully as he could.
"Thank you that makes me feel very ungrateful and unkind.

I wish I could answer you as you want me to for, indeed, dear Mac, I'm very fond of you in my own way," and Rose looked up with such tender pity and frank affection in her face, it was no wonder the poor fellow caught at a ray of hope and, brightening suddenly, said in his own odd way: "Couldn't you take me on trial while you are waiting for a true hero?
It may be years before you find him; meantime, you could be practicing on me in ways that would be useful when you get him." "Oh, Mac! What shall I do with you ?" exclaimed Rose, so curiously affected by this very characteristic wooing that she did not know whether to laugh or cry, for he was looking at her with his heart in his eyes, though his proposition was the queerest ever made at such a time.
"Just go on being fond of me in your own way, and let me love you as much as I like in mine.