Part 3 (2/2)
”But I'm very sorry to say we don't”
”Now, I have puthis irresistible smile full upon her ”What shall I do to ?”
His free hand closed over hers, but she snatched her oith indignation that ended in a chuckle
”Tend to your knitting,” she warned hi?”
But however ht joke about the possibility of their not realizing their dreams for the summer, the Outdoor Girls were really worried about it, and the next few days were anxious ones for theuments and resolve to sell the ranch after all? For awhile it al, and the suspense nearly drove the girls frantic
Then so happened to turn the tide in their direction And how the girls afterwards blessed that loud-necktied, check-suited el in disguise, it being the hired girl's day out Her first glance at the stranger served to stamp him as one of those loud-voiced, flashi+ly dressed persons colance Betty took a violent dislike to hi accustoravely whom he wished to see
”Is Mrs Nelson at holy
”Why, yes,” hesitated Betty, then her natural courtesy getting the better of the dislike she felt for this person, she added politely: ”Won't you come in? I will call mother”
With blandly murmured thanks the owner of the checked suit stepped over the threshold, his eyes still on Betty to such an extent that she was glad to be able to slip upstairs out of his sight
”Mother,” she explained hurriedly, finding that lady in her pretty dressing room, ”there's a horrid person downstairs ants to see you
I don't like his looks, and if you don't want to see him I can tell him you aren't at home----”
”Heavens, Betty, is he as bad as all that?” asked Mrs Nelson, as she rose hastily and gave an automatic pat to her hair ”I hope he doesn't steal the silver You shouldn't have left him alone, dear----” and with these words she swept out of the rooreet the man, and then slipped off to her own room and picked up some half-finished embroidery
”I hope he doesn't bother mother tooperson in my life I wonder what he can want, anyway”
It was fully half an hour later that she heard the closing door downstairs that told her their unwelcome visitor had left A minute later herso troubled and unsettled that Betty jumped to her feet in quick alar to make you feel bad?” she cried
”Because, if he did----”
”No, no, dear,” said Mrs Nelson, sinking into a chair, while her eyes sought thethoughtfully ”I am worried, that's all”
Betty drew a low chair over beside herdown, took Mrs Nelson's hand in both her own
”Tell aze away from theand looked at the Little Captain intently