Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/109

 some moments he looked into her eyes, and she met the look without flinching.

"I believe you," he said, and smiled reassuringly. "And it's what I think about James that counts now . . ."

"He helped us after father's death," said Miss Jackson, "and I thought he was our friend and meant everything he said . . ."

"You don't need to tell me. I've guessed what kind of a boy he is. It's in his face. And now he wants to cut and run . . . But you want him to marry you? Well and good. He shall. But if I were you I'd face any disgrace or any poverty sooner than be married to James. Do you love him?"

"I thought I did. But I'm so mad with him now I don't know."

John pulled out his watch. "There's a train from Bartow Station in twenty minutes. You can just make it. I'll give you the money for the ticket. You want James to marry you. He shall. Don't be afraid. Don't worry . . . James and I will come to your house tomorrow at eleven o'clock."

"I believe you," she said simply.

"But I want you to promise me one thing—that the marriage will be secret until James is on his feet and can support you. You wouldn't like living here. My mother would make you unhappy."