“I am not given to insinuating remarks. If I have anything to say, I say it plainly.”
She was offended, for this youth looked her straight in the eyes and spoke without the least symptom of cringing or fawning. Her wealth or social position did not awe or overcome him in the slightest degree. This was something to which she was not accustomed, and, therefore, it gave her great displeasure.
Chester was angry, too, and he said:
“Do not waste further words, mother. You have thanked him, and that is all that is necessary. Good-by, mother. Good-by, June. Wait till you come back to Fardale again, and you’ll find out how things stand. There will be a change.”
He said this with an insolent look toward Dick, who seemed quite unaware that he had spoken.
“Mr. Merriwell,” said June, leaning from the carriage, “I hope you will accept my sincere thanks for your many brave and generous acts. I feel that——”
He lifted his hand, smiling.
“Don’t overwhelm me with thanks, please!” he exclaimed. “It places me in an awkward position.”
“Then I will say no more. I know you are not one to seek praise and thanks. We may not meet again for a long time, so I will say good-by.”
She held out her gloved hand.