Twenty young people had gathered for the toffy pull at Minister Graves'. Tess was the topic of conversation; every one was eager to talk of the unheard-of action in the court-room that day.
"My mother says," chimed in a pretty girl, "that when that Skinner girl walked up through the court room, she sounded like a horse trotting along."
"She had on a pair of man's boots, that's why," said another, "but she has a beautiful voice, hasn't she?"
This question was directed to Frederick Graves.
"Yes," he assented, flushing to his high-forehead line.
"And besides a beautiful voice," broke in Richard Hall, "she has a mighty pretty face--and such hair! If she hadn't been crying and had so many people around her, I should have spoken to her. She's worth consoling!"
A sharp pang of jealousy shot through Frederick's heart. That another should make lighter the burdens of the squatter girl filled him with unrest. A pleading face flashed across his vision and Tessibel's voice rang anew in his ears. He was living over again the moments spent in the cabin, and his heart thrilled at the memory of the momentary glance sent to him over the heads of the spectators in the crowded court-room.
Teola entered the drawing-room, turning the conversation from Tess to the pleasure of the evening.
"Will some one help me pull the toffy?" said she.
Her eyes were upon Dan Jordan--he rose quickly to his feet and followed the girl smilingly to the kitchen.
"I wanted you to help me get it ready," Teola said; coloring.
"I'm glad you chose me," replied Dan.
"I didn't ask you, did I?" The beautiful head hung low over the brown mixture in the kettle.
"Your eyes did," laughed Dan. "Didn't you notice that none of the other boys got up when you spoke." His glance filled with merriment as he went on: "I think, too, that I should have been a little--jealous if anyone else had--helped you."
"And your hands are so strong," murmured Teola.
"You only wanted my hands," queried the boy, trying to catch a glimpse of her face. "I wish you had wanted me for some other--"
Teola stood with the long wooden spoon twirling in her fingers.
"I did want you for yourself, Dan--"
And then she stopped and nothing could be heard but the click, click, click, of the toffy as it snapped to and fro in the huge fingers of the student.