A sober expression swept over Iola’s face, and, dropping her eyes, she said:  “I must have time to think.”

Quietly they rode along the river bank until Dr. Latimer broke the silence by saying:—­

“Miss Iola, I think that you brood too much over the condition of our people.”

“Perhaps I do,” she replied, “but they never burn a man in the South that they do not kindle a fire around my soul.”

“I am afraid,” replied Dr. Latimer, “that you will grow morbid and nervous.  Most of our people take life easily—­why shouldn’t you?”

“Because,” she answered, “I can see breakers ahead which they do not.”

“Oh, give yourself no uneasiness.  They will catch the fret and fever of the nineteenth century soon enough.  I have heard several of our ministers say that it is chiefly men of disreputable characters who are made the subjects of violence and lynch-law.”

“Suppose it is so,” responded Iola, feelingly.  “If these men believe in eternal punishment they ought to feel a greater concern for the wretched sinner who is hurried out of time with all his sins upon his head, than for the godly man who passes through violence to endless rest.”

“That is true; and I am not counseling you to be selfish; but, Miss Iola, had you not better look out for yourself?”

“Thank you, Doctor, I am feeling quite well.”

“I know it, but your devotion to study and work is too intense,” he replied.

“I am preparing to teach, and must spend my leisure time in study.  Mr. Cloten is an excellent employer, and treats his employes as if they had hearts as well as hands.  But to be an expert accountant is not the best use to which I can put my life.”

“As a teacher you will need strong health and calm nerves.  You had better let me prescribe for you.  You need,” he added, with a merry twinkle in his eyes, “change of air, change of scene, and change of name.”

“Well, Doctor,” said Iola, laughing, “that is the newest nostrum out.  Had you not better apply for a patent?”

“Oh,” replied Dr. Latimer, with affected gravity, “you know you must have unlimited faith in your physician.”

“So you wish me to try the faith cure?” asked Iola, laughing.

“Yes, faith in me,” responded Dr. Latimer, seriously.

“Oh, here we are at home!” exclaimed Iola.  “This has been a glorious evening, Doctor.  I am indebted to you for a great pleasure.  I am extremely grateful.”

“You are perfectly welcome,” replied Dr. Latimer.  “The pleasure has been mutual, I assure you.”

“Will you not come in?” asked Iola.

Tying his horse, he accompanied Iola into the parlor.  Seating himself near her, he poured into her ears words eloquent with love and tenderness.

“Iola,” he said, “I am not an adept in courtly phrases.  I am a plain man, who believes in love and truth.  In asking you to share my lot, I am not inviting you to a life of ease and luxury, for year after year I may have to struggle to keep the wolf from the door, but your presence would make my home one of the brightest spots on earth, and one of the fairest types of heaven.  Am I presumptuous in hoping that your love will become the crowning joy of my life?”