"
"Yes," she replied, "and I don't think it's fair."
"Miss Bodine, do you dare _think_ for yourself?"
"I scarcely know how I can help doing so."
"That is just what I was thinking out on the balcony."
"I thought you were charmed by that beautiful Miss Ainsley."
"She has no eyes except for Clancy, and a fine fellow he is too--too good
for her, I imagine. I can't make her out."
"Neither can I."
"Oh, bother her! I don't like feminine riddles. Miss Bodine, there's a
gentleman in my father's employ bearing your name. Is he a relative?"
"He is my father," she replied proudly.
"I should guess as much if your eyes were not so blue."
"I have my mother's eyes, I am told."
"Well, on that same day--you know--he told me that he was a gentleman: can
you guess how?"
"I would rather you should tell me."
"I was sent to him by my father with a message, and I spoke rudely to him
at first; not intentionally, but as a harum-scarum young fellow might
speak to an elderly man under ordinary circumstances, I meaning nothing
more than friendly familiarity. I fear you won't understand, but with you
I can't help downright honesty."
"Yes, I understand. He was one of your father's clerks, and you cared
little what you said to him."
"Scarcely right, Miss Bodine. With all my faults--and they are legion--I'm
good-natured, and do not intentionally hurt people's feelings. What a fine
proof of that I gave you in my insufferable stupidity!"
"That's been explained and is past.
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