And he must not know that -- he must not . Janet could not bear that thought . * * * * * It was a pallid , dull-eyed Janet who went through the birch wood to the Burnley farm next afternoon , leaving behind her an excited household where the sudden change of bridegrooms , as announced by Avery , had rather upset everybody . Janet found Randall working in the garden of his new house -- setting out rosebushes for Avery -- Avery , who was to jilt him at the very altar , so to speak . He came over to open the gate for Janet , smiling his dear smile . It was a dear smile -- Janet caught her breath over the dearness of it -- and she was going to blot it off his face . She spoke out , with plainness and directness . When you had to deal a mortal blow , why try to lighten it ? `` Avery sent me to tell you that she is going to marry Bruce Gordon instead of you . He came last night -- and she says that she has always liked him best . '' A very curious change came over Randall 's face -- but not the change Janet had expected to see . Instead of turning pale Randall flushed ; and instead of a sharp cry of pain and incredulity , Randall said in no uncertain tones , `` Thank God ! '' Janet wondered if she were dreaming . Granny Thomas ' love potion seemed to have turned the world upside down . For Randall 's arms were about her and Randall was pressing his lean bronzed cheek to hers and Randall was saying : `` Now I can tell you , Janet , how much I love you . '' `` Me ? Me ! '' choked Janet . `` You . Why , you 're in the very core of my heart , girl .
Do n't tell me you ca n't love me -- you can -- you must -- why , Janet , '' XXXXX his eyes had caught and locked with hers for a minute , `` you do ! ''
about at behind for if of over that through with