"We won't have to wait on him!" said Norton.

"No--" Betty gasped out the monosyllable.

"Why--my darling--what's the matter?" he asked tenderly, his
glance bent in concern on the frightened face of the girl.

"Nothing--nothing, Charley

They had reined in their horses. Norton sprang to the ground and
lifted her from the saddle.

"It will only take a moment, dear!" he whispered encouragingly in
the brief instant he held her in his arms.

"Oh, Charley, it isn't that--it's dreadfully serious--" she said,
with a wild little laugh that was almost hysterical.

"I wouldn't have it less than that," he said gravely.


Afterward Betty could remember standing before the church in the
fierce morning light; she heard Mr. Bowen's voice, she heard
Charley's voice, she heard another voice--her own, though she
scarcely recognized it. Then, like one aroused from a dream, she
looked about her--she met Charley's glance; his face was radiant
and she smiled back at him through a sudden mist that swam before
her eyes.

Mr. Bowen led her toward the church door. As they neared it they