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178 "My dear child, don't be absurd. You can't carry six cats as well as fifty wooden animals round with you."

"Never mind the wooden animals. These cats are alive. I shall take them back with me."

"You will do nothing of the kind." I looked at him resentfully, but he went on: "You think me cruel—but one can't go through life sentimentalizing over these things. It's no good standing out—I shan't allow you to take them. It's a primitive country, you know, and I'm stronger than you."

I always know when I am beaten. I went down to the car with tears in my eyes.

"They're probably short of food just to-day," he explained consolingly. "That man's wife has gone into Bulawayo for stores. So it will be all right. And anyway, you know, the world's full of starving cats."

"Don't—don't," I said fiercely.

"I'm teaching you to realize life as it is. I'm teaching you to be hard and ruthless—like I am. That's the secret of strength—and the secret of success."

"I'd sooner be dead than hard," I said passionately.

We got into the car and started off. I pulled myself together again slowly. Suddenly, to my intense astonishment, he took my hand in his.

"Anne," he said gently, "I want you. Will you marry me?"

I was utterly taken aback.

"Oh, no," I stammered. "I can't."

"Why not?"

"I don't care for you in that way. I've never thought of you like that."

"I see. Is that the only reason?"

I had to be honest. I owed it him.

"No," I said, "it is not. You see—I—care for some one else."