THE GIANT AGAIN
taking the chair Canler placed for her. "I only wanted to tell papa that Tobey is coming down from the college tomorrow to pack his books. I want you to be sure, papa, to indicate all that you can do without until fall. Please don't carry this entire library to Wisconsin, as you would have carried it to Africa, if I had not put my foot down."
"Was Tobey here?" asked Professor Porter.
"Yes, I just left him. He and Esmeralda are exchanging religious experiences on the back porch now."
"Tut—tut, I must see him at once!" cried the professor. "Excuse me just a moment, children," and the old man hastened from the room.
As soon as he was out of ear-shot Canler turned to Jane Porter.
"See here, Jane," he said bluntly. "How long is this thing going on like this?
"You haven't refused to marry me, but you haven't promised either.
"I want to get the license tomorrow, so that we can be married quietly before you leave for Wisconsin. I don't care for any fuss or feathers, and I'm sure you don't either."
The girl turned cold, but she held her head bravely.
"Your father wishes it, you know," added Canler.
"Yes, I know."
[371]
