Part 26 (1/2)

”I guess so.”

”I'd a died those nights if Sister Ann hadn't prayed for me, wouldn't I, Flea?”

”Yes,” replied Flea in abstraction.

After a silence, Floyd spoke again:

”Flea, do you like that feller what Sister Ann's going to marry?”

The girl dropped a monosyllabic negative and fell to studying.

”Why?” insisted Floyd.

Before Flea could reply, a servant appeared at the door, saying that Mr.

Brimbecomb wanted Miss Sh.e.l.lington.

[Ill.u.s.tration: ”IT WERE A PRINCE--A REAL LIVE PRINCE!”]

Fledra closed her book and went to the drawing-room, where she found Everett standing near the grate. His brilliant smile made her drop her eyes embarra.s.sedly. She overlooked his extended hand, and made no move to come forward. The girl had always felt afraid of him. Now his presence in the room increased her vague fears. Why she had felt this sudden premonition of evil, she did not know, nor did she try to a.n.a.lyze her feelings. Young as she was, Fledra recognized in him an enemy, and yet his att.i.tude betrayed a personal interest. She had seen him many times during the last few weeks; but had managed to escape him through the connivance of Miss Sh.e.l.lington. Ann had tactfully explained to the girl that Mr. Brimbecomb did not feel the same toward her and Flukey as did her brother; but had added, ”It's because he does not know you both, Dear, as Horace and I do.”

Once alone with him, she knew only that she wanted to give him Ann's message and return quickly to Floyd. Before she could speak, Brimbecomb pa.s.sed behind her and closed the door.

”Sister Ann won't be home for an hour,” said Flea, turning sharply.

Everett smiled again.

”Sit down, then,” he said.

”I can't; I have to study.”

Something in the girl's tones brought a low laugh from Everett. He came closer to her.

”You're a deliciously pretty child,” he bantered. ”Won't you take hold of my hands?”

Placing her arms behind her, Flea answered:

”No, I don't like ye!” She backed far from him, her eyes burning with anger.

”You're a very frank little maid, as well as pretty,” drawled Everett.

”Ever since I first saw you as a girl, I've wanted to know something about you. Who's your father?”

”None of yer business!” snapped Flea.

”Frank again,” laughed the lawyer ruefully. ”Now, honestly, wouldn't you like to be friends with me?”

”No! I said I didn't like ye, and I don't! I want to go now. You can sit here alone until Sister Ann comes.”