only a poor girl’s gratitude. What have I left to offer in return if you bestow more gifts? Give me no more — so that you take from me no more than — gratitude.”

“Comrades neither give nor take, Lois. What they possess belongs to both in common.”

“I know — it is so said — but — you have had of me for all your bounty only my thanks — and — — ” she smiled tremulously, “ — — a wild rose-bud. And you have given so much — so much — and I am far too poor to render — — ”

“What have I asked of you!” I said impatiently.

“Nothing. And so I am the more inclined to give — I know not what.”