Doris flushed.
“Do you mean to insinuate that he has been talking about me?” she asked.
“I won’t say another word,” declared Arlington, shaking his head. “I didn’t mean[mean] to say that much.”
At the same time he winked slyly at Zona.
They walked on in silence, Doris having grown pale. After a time she suddenly turned to Chester, saying:
“I don’t think it right for you to insinuate anything without making an explanation. You ought to tell me what you meant.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” he declared. “Forget it!”
But it was not easy for Doris to forget, and when they came to the rustic bridge over Ripple Brook she paused there, looking down into the water.
Behind Doris’ back Chet made a signal to Zona, who did not understand it at first; but she finally drew aside.
Arlington leaned his elbows on the rail close beside Doris, speaking in a low tone.