"Unless, of course," she pursued with unbroken gravity, "I marry you. …"
"Heaven," the young man prayed fervently "forfend!"
"That is hardly gallant"
"I mean—Heaven forfend that you should throw yourself away!"
"Humph!" she mused. "Perhaps you're right. …"
Their banter was not without a subtle object, namely to reassure the girl who followed, supported by her lover's arm.
In the course of the last twenty-four hours Rose's jealousy of her sister's new-found friendliness with Alan had become acutely evident. The least courtesy which circumstances now and again demanded that he show Judith was enough to cloud the countenance of Alan's betrothed.
Nor, indeed, was Rose altogether destitute of plausible excuse for this feeling of hers. It was undeniable that between Alan and Judith a bond of sympathy had grown out of the trials and hardships they had of late suffered in common. It was undeniable, but even in his most private thoughts Alan denied it fiercely.
That her love was hopeless, Judith knew but too well. Even though Alan might not be altogether indifferent to her, his loyalty to Rose was unshakable.
