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 "I am that already, and shall never cease to hope for you and be proud of your many successes. A great future is waiting to claim you, Mr. Milburn."

"Not unless that future's arm can hold both of us, Cherokee, for you are still all I really want praise from—all I fear in the blaming. But, sweet-*heart, you have dropped me as a child throws away a toy when it is weary. When Frost told me he had been here it started afresh some thoughts that I find lurking about my mind so often of late."

Did her bowed head mean an effort to hide a face that told too much?

"I believe you are sorry he is not with you here now."

She laid her hand in playful reproach upon his lips. "Sorry, you foolish boy! I am glad you are here, isn't that enough?"

"I hope so; forgive me, Cherokee, but you do not know the world. It is deeper, darker, wider, than you have ever dreamed, and there are some very queer people in it. I shall keep my eyes open, and if I can help it, you shall never know it as I do."

"Why, what harm can come to me? What could the world have against me?" and her innocent face looked hurt.

"Nothing, except your beauty and purity, and either is a dangerous charge. I wish you could