VALLEY

228 RAINBOW VALLEYsay noand she suddenly found she could not say it.It was the impossible word. She knew now that itwas not that she could have loved John Meredith, butthat she did love him. The thought of putting himfrom her life was agony.She must say something; she lifted her bowedgolden head and asked him stammeringly to give hera few days for for consideration.John Meredith was a little surprised. He was notvainer than any man has a right to be, but he hadexpected that Rosemary West would say yes. He hadbeen tolerably sure she cared for him. Then why thisdoubt this hesitation? She was not a school girl tobe uncertain as to her own mind. He felt an uglyshock of disappointment and dismay. But he assentedto her request with his unfailing gentle courtesy andwent away at once."I will tellyou in a few days," said Rosemary withdownward eyes and burning face.When the door shut behind him she went back intothe room and wrung her hands.