“What a royal woman you are, and how queenly you look with your massive braids of midnight hair fastened with such an exquisite comb!” (Louis’ gift).

“Midnight hair,” I said.  “I’ve seen many a midnight when I could read in its moonlight; black as a crow would be nearer the truth,” and I laughed.

The next sentence was addressed to my teeth.  He liked to see me laugh and show my teeth; they looked like pearls.

“I wish they were,” I said, “I’d sell them and buy a nice little house for poor Matthias to live in.”

“Ugh!” he said, and looked perfectly disgusted; but he was not, for he said more foolish things, and at last launched out into his sober sentiment.  Oh, dear, if I could have escaped all this!

“Have you not missed me?  You have not said it.”

“I have not missed you at all,” I said, “and I do wish you would believe it.”

“You have no welcome, then, no particular words of welcome?”

“Mr. Benton, you know I am a country girl.”

“Yes, but you remind me of a city belle in one way.  You gather hearts and throw them away as recklessly as they do, throwing smiles and using your regal beauty as a fatal charm.  I must feel, Miss Minot, that it would have saved me pain had we never met.”

This touched a tender spot.  “Mr. Benton,” I cried, “cease your foolish talk, you know that I never tried to captivate you, that I take no pleasure in an experience like this.  You say that I am untrue to myself, false to my highest perception of right and justice.  If you claim for me what you have said, you do not believe it, Wilmur Benton; you know in your soul you speak falsely.”

“Why, Emily,” he said, “you are imputing to me what you are unwilling to bear yourself; do you realize it?”

“I think I do,” I replied, “and further proof is not needed to convince me.”

“Really, this is a strange state of affairs, but (in a conciliatory tone), perhaps I spoke too impulsively, I cannot bear your anger; forgive me, Emily.”

“Well,” I answered merely.

“Can you forget it all?” he said.

“I will see,” I replied, and just then I saw Halbert coming over the hill, and I was relieved from further annoyance.  I cannot say just how this affected me.  I felt in one sense free, but still a sense of heaviness oppressed me and all was not clear.  My mental horizon was clouded, and I could see no signs of the clouds drifting entirely away, but on one point I was determined.  I would give no signs of even pity for Mr. Benton, even should I feel it as through days I looked over my words and thoughts.  He should not have even this to hold in his hand as a weapon against me.  I would say nothing to Hal, for Louis would come, and in the fall, the year of his waiting would be at an end.  He would tell me again of his great love, and I would yield to him that which was his.  Oh, Louis, my confidence in your blessed heart grows daily stronger!