"Yes. But because I _must_ decide about things that concern myself alone, you don't think I adore you any the less, do you, Jim?"
"Nor do I love you the less, Jacqueline, because I can decide nothing for you, do nothing for you."
"Jim! You _can_ decide everything for me--do everything! And you _have_ done everything for me--by giving me my freedom to decide for myself!"
"Did you think I would have taken it if you had refused it?"
"But you said your happiness depended on it."
"Which is why you gave it to me, isn't it?" she asked seriously.
He laughed. "You wonderful girl, to make me believe that any generosity of mine is responsible for your freedom!"
"But it is! Otherwise, I would have obeyed you and been disgraced in my own estimation."
"Do you mean that mine is to be the final decision always?"
He laughed again. "Empty authority, dear--a shadowy symbol of traditional but obsolete prerogative."
"You are wrong. Your decision is final. But--as I know it will always be for my happiness, I can always appeal from your prejudice to your intelligence," she added naïvely. And for a moment was surprised at his unrestrained laughter.
"What does it matter?" she admitted, laughing, too. "Between you and me the right thing always will be done sooner or later."
His laughter died out; he said soberly: "Always, God willing. It may be a little hard for me to learn--as it's hard, now, for example, to say good-bye."
"But I don't mind sitting up a few minutes later to-night----"
"I know you don't. But here's where I exercise my harmlessly arbitrary authority for your happiness and for the sake of your good digestion."
"I know it. Back to your desk, darling! And go to bed early."
"Ha! So you begin to feel the tyranny of man! I'm going! I've got a job, too, if you want to know."
"Certainly! How long did you suppose I could stand it to see you at that desk and then go and sit in a silly club?"
"What do you mean, darling?" she asked, radiant.
"I mean that Jack Cairns, who is a broker, has offered me a job at a small but perfectly proper salary, with the usual commission on all business I bring in to the office. And I've taken it!"
"Oh, Vail can run my farm without any advice from me. I'm going to give him more authority and hold him responsible. If the place can pay for itself and let us keep the armour and jades, that's all I ask of it. But I am asking more of myself--since I have begun to really know you. And I'm going to work for our bread and butter, and earn enough to support us both and lay something aside. You know we've got to think of that, because----" He looked very serious, hesitated, bent and whispered something that sent the bright colour flying in her cheeks; then he caught her hand and kissed the ring-finger.