Vannie's dried yellow face framed the ghost of a smile.

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

It seemed to Peter a poor time for a jest; his face warmed faintly.

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

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

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

The yellow woman glanced at the door on the left side of the hall,crossed over and opened it, stood to one side while Peter entewhite, andclosed it after him, leaving the two alone.

The chamber into which Peter stepped was unlit, after the fashion of negrohouses. 0nly after a moment's survey did he see Cissie sitting near abig fireplace made of rough stone. The girl started to rise as Peteradvanced toward her, but he solicitously forbade it and hurried over toher. When he leaned over her and put his arms about her, his ardor wasslightly dampened when she gave him her cheek instead of her lips tokiss.

"Surely, you're not too ill to be kissed?" he rallied faintly.

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