“Miss Lee—no, Mrs. Badger,” he said, “I am delighted to see you again.”
Winnie gave him her hand.
“Don’t mind Buck,” she said. “He’s jealous of everybody. He’d be jealous of an Indian.”
“That’s whatever,” confessed the Kansan. “I allow I’m built that way, and I can’t help it. I know I make an onery fool of myself sometimes, but Mrs. Badger has a nice little way of forgiving me. I rather think she likes it, to tell the truth.”
Diamond touched Frank’s arm. There was a look of deep pride on his face, mingled with a faint smile.
“Permit me,” he said.
Merry turned.
“My wife, Mr. Merriwell,” said the Southerner.
A handsome, dark-eyed girl, somewhat resembling Inza, stood there.
“Your—your wife?” exclaimed Frank.