In the meantime, Jack met Jennie Wren at one of the village stores and had a short talk with her. Diamond was enthusiastic in relating to Frank what had passed between them.
“She is a dear little queen?” declared the Southerner. “She was very grateful to us for what we did last night, but she says her old brute of a father will force her into marrying that ruffian Sullivan. It’s a shame! Why, she is good enough for any man!”
Frank laughed outright.
“Take care, Diamond!” he exclaimed.
Jack blushed furiously, but quickly said:
“Oh! there is no danger. I’m simply interested in Miss Wren, for I did not dream of finding such a girl amid the rabble of a public dance in this town.”
“You are still prone to misjudge the people of Maine, I see,” said Merry; “and, as a result, you are meeting with many surprises. This Jennie Wren is not the only one of her kind. There are others.”
“Well, I feel that I’d like to do something to help this one.”
“What can you do?”