“Judging by indications, it is a case of genuine love on both sides, which, contrary to the old proverb, does run smoothly so far. I think they are engaged.”
“And you are left out in the cold?” asked Jack kindly, but watching her keenly.
“You would not think so, if you could know how kind they are to me,” Lyle answered, “you and they are the only friends I have ever known.”
“How about Mr. Rutherford? Isn’t he a friend of yours, too?”
“Mr. Rutherford is a gentleman,” she replied slowly, “he always treats me with respect, and we have very pleasant times together, but he never forgets that I belong to one station in life, and he to another. He is altogether unlike Mr. Houston and Miss Gladden; I wish you could know them, Jack, and that they could know you.”
“They probably have no desire to form my acquaintance, and I have no need to form theirs. It is rather late in the day for me to make friends now.”
“But Jack,” said Lyle, in almost a pleading tone, “Miss Gladden wishes to meet you, and has repeatedly asked me to inquire if she might come and see you.”
“What is her motive for wishing to see me?”
“I think because I have often spoken of you as my friend; then she said recently, that she would like, if possible, to take me east with her, and give me a musical education, and she would like to talk with you about it.”
“Has she or Mr. Houston heard you sing?”