"My dear, of course you know what I mean."
"I don't; or if I do, nobody has any business to say such things. That's nobody's business except my own," declared Jessie. "Jack has never asked me to marry him; and if he did—"
Jessie came to a pause. Indignation had carried her on farther than she had meant to go. She found suddenly whither her words were tending.
"And if he did?" echoed Miss Sophy.
"I wouldn't have him, of course."
"Now, Jessie!"
"Why should I? You don't suppose I'm going to have the first man that wants me, if I don't care for him! Not I!" cried Jessie.
"You wouldn't marry that fine young fellow if he wanted to have you, Jessie?"
Jessie flung her head back, and stood up.
"Marry Jack Groates! Thank you! Not I!"