"
"I like that, even though I'm not going to marry you."
"Come here," he drew her toward the door, "and I'll show you where our
house will stand. Do you see that green rise of ground over the meadow?"
"Yes, I see it," her tone was gentler.
"I've chosen that site for a home," he went on, "and I'm saving a good
strip of pine--you can see it over there against the horizon. I've half
a mind to take down my axe and cut down the biggest of the trees this
afternoon!"
If his ardour touched her there was no sign of it in the movement with
which she withdrew herself from his grasp.
"You'd better finish your grinding. There isn't the least bit of a
hurry," she returned with a smile.
"If you'll go with me, Molly, you may take your choice and I'll cut the
tree down for you."
"But I can't, Abel, because I've promised Mr. Mullen to visit his
mother."
The glow faded from his eyes and a look like that of an animal under the
lash took its place.
"Come with me, not with him, Molly, you owe me that much," he entreated.
"But he's such a good man, and he preaches such beautiful sermons."
"He does--I know he does, but I love you a thousand times better.
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