“Are you sure his mind is just right?”
“I think it is—now. A short time ago I was not so sure; but never again will he fall beneath the spell of Brandon Drood. Drood is dead, and his wicked career is ended.”
“He was a dreadful man!” exclaimed Inza. “Think how he tried to bury your poor father alive! He should have been punished for his awful crimes.”
“I am willing to leave his soul in the hands of One who doeth all things well,” came solemnly from Merry’s lips.
“Where do you expect to spend the most of your vacation?”
“Starbright has invited me to visit him in his home, and I think I shall go there. Then I am to meet father in New York. Several of the fellows are going to visit Starbright.”
“Isn’t he a splendid fellow!” exclaimed the dark-eyed girl enthusiastically. “He is so big and grand! It was magnificent to see him tear through the enemy’s line in the football-game. And he’s handsome, too!”
“Here! here!” cried Merry reprovingly. “This will never do! Why, I believe you are interested in him, Inza!”
His heart was smitten by a pang of jealousy, for he was like other fellows in this respect, and no one is flawless. She laughed when she saw him looking at her almost accusingly.
“I am,” she boldly declared. “Why shouldn’t I be? He is your friend, and you have told me what a great, big-hearted chap he is. You want me to like all of your friends, don’t you?”