Pagina 36 di 416

"No," said Schofield, "you can't do anything. It isn't much. I'm

only glad I succeeded. Don't think anything about it."

"Father and mother will never forget this, and I'm sure will do

what they can to make it right with you."

He looked at her as though she had struck him. Never in his life

had she used that tone. Before the mute query of his eyes she

turned her head away.

"What do you mean--by that?" he faltered, hardly knowing what he

said.

"Nothing, Code, only--only--" She could not finish.

"What has happened, Nellie?" he began, and then halted, his gaze

riveted upon her hand. A single diamond glittered from the dirt

and grime that soiled her finger.

"That?" he gasped, stunned by a feeling of misery and

helplessness.

"Nat and I are engaged," she said in a low voice without

answering his question. "Just since last night."