book, lower down. 

 "And I was wondering," he continued rather quickly, as if he dare not speak of it, "whether you might consent to dine with me this evening." 

 Gretchen stood up, rather slowly.  "I—well..." 

 "Yes," the professor stammered, "of course—such short notice. I understand. It's hardly proper, and I'm sure you're quite busy. Perhaps another time."  He stepped backward as if to take his leave. 

 "Not at all," Gretchen said with a faint smile. She clutched the heavy books more tightly in her arms.  "I should be delighted, really."  She caught his eye then, and saw it twinkle. The sight of his smile could not but make her return it fully.  "The other evening, it did seem there was ever so much more to say."  She continued down the row, with Professor Bridwell beside her. 

 "Is that an acceptance?" 

 She laughed and stopped to face him squarely, as if astonished.  "Why, I believe it is, Professor."  She blinked her eyes. The sudden blush in his cheeks was profound, and she composed herself to keep from laughing. 

 "Would six o'clock be too late? Or too early?" 

 "Neither, Professor."  Gretchen thought he looked as if he had been handed a Christmas goose.  "I'll meet you at the main entrance." 

 "Stupendous! I'll..."  He still sounded incredulous, and seemed near to bursting. He pushed his black locks from his eye, and twisted a lock on one finger.  "I'll meet you at six then?" 

 They took their leaves of each other, and Gretchen thought she heard a faint whistling in the main stairwell as the sound of his boots on the stone steps receded. She flew to her cart immediately the sound died away in the distance. Her unflagging concentration would be required if she were to be finished by six—she had seven more cartloads of books, and less than five hours in which to reshelve them all. She did not stop or rest until five forty-five, when she bid Miss Sadie good evening, and made her way to the main entrance. She stood inside the great oak doors, under stone arches where she could see the professor through the glass when he approached. With a few moments to ponder and catch her breath while she waited, a sudden flutter filled her bosom. Good Lord, she thought to herself—it's a wonder he did not think me scandalously forward. She felt a faint tingling in her cheeks 

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