I meant that--that what I did was no more than any one else would have done under the same circumstances.You were in no danger; you would have been safe enough even if I had not happened along.
Please don't say anything more about it.""Very well.But I am very glad you happened along, nevertheless.
You seem to have the faculty of happening along just at the right time."This sounded like a reference to the episode in the bay, and I did not care to discuss that.
"You--I believe your father said you were not ill after your experience," I observed hastily.
"Not in the least, thank you.And you?"
"Oh, I was all right.Rather wet, but I did not mind that.I sail and fish a good deal, and water, fresh or salt, doesn't trouble me."This was an unlucky remark, for it led directly to the subject Iwas trying to avoid.
"So I should imagine," she answered."And that reminds me that Iowe you another debt of thanks for helping me--helping us out of our difficulty in the boat.I am obliged to you for that also.
Even though what you saved was NOT worth five dollars."I looked up at her quickly.She was biting her lips and there was a smile at the corners of her mouth.I could not answer immediately for the life of me.I would have given something if Ihad not told Colton of Victor's message and my reply.
"Your father misrepresented my meaning, I'm afraid," I stammered.
"I was angry when I sent that message.It was not intended to include you.""Thank you.Father seemed inclined to agree with your estimate--part of it, at least.He is very much interested in you, Mr.
Paine."
"Yes," I answered, dryly."I can understand that."Her smile broke into a ripple of laughter.
"You are quite distinctive, in your way," she said."You may not be aware of it, but I have never known father to be so disturbed and puzzled about any one as he is about you.""Indeed?"
"Yes, he is, indeed."
"I am sorry that I am the cause of so much mental strain.""No, you are not.From what I have learned about you, from him, Ithink you enjoy it.You must.It is great fun.""Fun! Well, perhaps.Does your--does Mrs.Colton find it funny?"She hesitated."Well," she answered, more slowly, "to be perfectly frank--I presume that is what you want me to be--I think Mother blames you somewhat.She is not well, Mr.Paine, and this Lane of yours is her pet bugbear just now.She--like the rest of us--cannot understand why you will not sell, and, because you will not, she is rather--rather--""I see.I'm not sure that I blame her.I presume she has blamed me for these outrageous disturbances in the Lane such as you have just witnessed."She hesitated again."Why yes," she said, more slowly still; "a little, I think.She is not well, as I said, and she may have thought you were, if not instigating them, at least aware of what was going on.But I am sure father does not think so.""But you, Miss Colton; did you believe me responsible for them?""No."
"Why not?"
"Because, from what I have seen of you, you did not seem to me like that kind of a man.You kept your temper that day in the boat, though you had a good reason for losing it.All this," with a gesture toward the Lane, "the shouting and noise and petty insults, was so little and mean and common.I did not believe you would permit it, if you knew.And, from what I have learned about you, Iwas sure you would not."
"From what you learned about me? From your father?""No."
"Then from whom, pray?"
"From your friends.From that Mr.Taylor and Miss Dean and the others.They spoke of you so highly, and of your mother and your care of her.They described you as a gentleman, and no gentleman would countenance THAT."I was so astonished that I blurted out my next question without thinking.
"You were speaking to them about ME?" I cried.
Her manner changed.Possibly she thought I was presuming on our chance acquaintance, or that she made a mistake in admitting even a casual interest; I might consider that interest to be real, instead of merely perfunctory.At any rate, I noticed a difference in her tone.It was as if she had suddenly withdrawn behind the fence which marked the border of our social line.
"Oh," she said, carelessly, "I did not cross-question, of course.
Puzzles are always interesting, more or less.And a puzzle which perplexed my father was certainly unique.So I was a trifle curious, that's all."I came to earth with a thud.
"I see," I said, curtly."Well, I presume I should thank my friends for the testimonials to my character.And I promise you that you shall not be annoyed again.Good morning, Miss Colton."I was turning away when she spoke my name.
"Mr.Paine," she said.
"Yes, Miss Colton."
