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74 for reading. I believe my engagement with you began in the afternoon."

"I wish it did," said the young man, with a wistful look.

"You wish what?" she said, glancing up at him sharply.

He blushed as he bent over toward her and whispered, "That our engagement, Miss Katherine, began in the afternoon."

The color mounted rapidly into her cheeks, and for a moment George Morris thought he had gone too far. It seemed as if a sharp reply was ready on her lips; but, as on another occasion, she checked it and said nothing. Then she opened her book and began to read. He waited for a moment and said:

"Miss Earle, have I offended you?"

"Did you mean to give offense?" she asked.

"No, certainly, I did not."

"Then why should you think you had offended me?"

"Well, I don't know. I" he stammered.

Miss Earle looked at him with such clear, innocent, and unwavering eyes that the young man felt that he could neither apologize nor make an explanation.

"I'm afraid," he said, "that I am encroaching on your time."