"You were so kind to me the other night, I could not help wanting
to see you again. I had no idea the sight of me would terrify you
so."
"You gave me such a start!" gasped Letty, with her hand pressed
on her heart.
"I was afraid of it," answered Tom; "but what could I do? I was
certain, if you saw me coming, you would run away."
"Why should you think that?" asked Letty, a faint color rising in
her cheek.
"Because," answered Tom, "I was sure they would be telling you
all manner of things against me. But there is no harm in me--
really, Miss Lovel--nothing, that is, worth mentioning."
"I am sure there isn't," said Letty; and then there was a pause.
"What book are you reading, may I ask?" said Tom.
Letty had now remembered her aunt's injunctions and threats; but,
partly from a kind of paralysis caused by his coolness, partly
from its being impossible to her nature to be curt with any one
with whom she was not angry, partly from mere lack of presence of
mind, not knowing what to do, yet feeling she ought to run to the
house, what should she do but drop down again on the very spot
whence she had been scared! Instantly Tom threw himself on the
grass at her feet, and there lay, looking up at her with eyes of
humble admiration.
Confused and troubled, she began to turn over the leaves of her
book. She supposed afterward she must have asked him why he
stared at her so, for the next thing she remembered was hearing
him say:
"I can't help it.
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