“Kathleen, I forgot myself,” he said, letting go of her arm. “I was wrong, but, my God, Kathleen, I am not stone, and when I felt your heart beat against mine--”
“Oh,” she cried, shuddering and drawing further away from him.
“--and your face so white, your dear face so near mine, I forgot myself.”
“No,” said the girl, turning her face toward him and searching him with her quiet, steady, but contemptuous eyes, “you forgot me.”
The Wolf Willow Dominion Day Celebration Committee were in session in the schoolhouse with the Reverend Evans Rhye in the chair, and all of the fifteen members in attendance. The reports from the various sub-committees had been presented and approved.
The programme for the day was in the parson's hand. “A fine programme, ladies and gentlemen, thanks to you all, and especially to our friend here,” said Mr. Rhye, placing his hand on Larry's shoulder.
A chorus of approval greeted his remark, but Larry protested. “Not at all. Every one was keen to help. We are all tremendous Canadians and eager to celebrate Dominion Day.”
“Well, let us go over it again,” said Mr. Rhye. “The football match with the Eagle Hill boys is all right. How about the polo match with the High River men, Larry?”
“The captain of the High River team wrote to express regret that two of his seniors would not be available, but that he hoped to give us a decent game.”
“There will only be one fault with the dinner and the tea, Mrs. Kemp.”
“And what will that be, sir?” enquired Mrs. Kemp, who happened to be Convener of the Refreshment Committee.
“They will receive far too much for their money,” said Mr. Rhye. “How about the evening entertainment, Larry?” he continued.
“Everything is all right, I think, sir,” said Larry.
“Are the minstrels in good form?” enquired Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. “This is your last appearance, you know, and you must go out in a blaze of glory.”
“We hope to get through somehow,” said Larry.
“Both will be on hand. Mr. Gilchrist promises a patriotic address. Mr. Alvin P. Jones will represent Wolf Willow in a kind of local glorification stunt.”
“This is all perfectly splendid,” said Mr. Rhye, “and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you all. We ought to have a memorable day to-morrow.”