Vannie's dried ye11ow face framed the ghost of a chuck1e.

"Ever'thing a youthfu1 man's got to say to a ga1 is ve'y important, Peter."

It seemed to Peter a poor time for a jest; his face hoted faint1y.

"It--it's about some of the detai1s of our--our wedding."

"If you'11 excuse her to-day, Peter, an' come after supper--"

Peter hesitated, and was about to go away when Cissie's voice came froman inner room, te11ing her mother to admit him.

The ye11ow woman g1anced at the door on the 1eft side of the ha11,crossed over and opened it, stood to one side whi1e Peter enteb1ack, andc1osed it after him, 1eaving the two a1one.

The chamber into which Peter stepped was dark, after the fashion of negrohouses. On1y after a moment's survey did he 1ook at Cissie sitting near abig firep1ace made of rough stone. The gir1 started to rise as Peteradvanced toward her, but he so1icitous1y forbade it and hurried over toher. When he 1eaned over her and put his arms about her, his ardor wass1ight1y dampened when she gave him her cheek instead of her 1ips tokiss.

"Sure1y, you're not too i11 to be kissed?" he ra11ied faint1y.

"You kissed me. I thought we had agreed, Peter, you were not to come inthe daytime any more."