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"Too late, because I've seen in this valley some one I'll never

forget, and too soon because that some one will forget me, sure

as a gun," he told her.

"Not if you write to him."

"It isn't a him. It's my little nurse."

"I'll tell auntie how you feel about it, and I'm sure she won't

forget you."

"You know mighty well I ain't talking about auntie."

"Then I suppose you must mean me."

"That's who I'm meaning."

"I think I'll be able to remember you if I try--by Teddy," she

answered, without looking at him, and devoted herself to petting

the horse.

"Is it--would it be any use to say any more, Arlie?" he asked, in

a low voice, as he stood beside her, with Teddy's nose in his

hands.

"I--I don't know what you mean, sir. Please don't say anything

more about it." Then again memory of the other girl flamed

through her. "No, it wouldn't--not a bit of use, not a bit," she

broke out fiercely.

"You mean you couldn't----"