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336 "You have had a fine time, then?" asked Elnora. They had reached the fence. Ammon vaulted over to take a short cut across the fields. He turned and looked at her. "The best, the sweetest, and most wholesome time any man ever had in this world," he said. "Elnora, if I talked hours I couldn't make you understand what a girl I think you are. I never in all my life hated anything as I hate leaving you. It seems to me that I have not strength to do it." "If you have gotten anything worth while from me," said Elnora, "that should be it. Just to have strength to go to your duty, and to go quickly." Ammon caught the hand she held out to him in both his. "Elnora, these days we have had together, have they been sweet to you?" "Beautiful days!" said Elnora. "Each like a perfect dream to be thought over and over all my life. Oh, they have been the only really happy days I've ever known; these days rich with mother's love, and doing useful work with your help. Good-bye! You must hurry!" Ammon gazed at her. He tried to drop her hand, and only clutched it closer. Suddenly he drew her toward him. "Elnora,"' he whispered, "will you kiss me good-bye?" Elnora drew back and stared at him with wide eyes. "I'd strike you sooner!" she said. "Have I ever said or done anything in your presence that made you feel free to ask that, Philip Ammon?"