“Still, he might have remained in the academy.”
“The provisions of his uncle’s will gave him a better opportunity to secure an education. Professor Scotch was appointed his guardian, and it was arranged that he should travel while being tutored by the professor. He was fitted to enter college.”
“You seem to know all about his affairs, Miss Burrage. It is plain that you did take a very strong interest in him.”
“Why shouldn’t I? Do you think I’d forget one who saved me from the jaws of a mad dog? I saw him fight that dog with nothing but a pocket-knife! From that hour I took an interest in him that has never relaxed, and I am proud of it now.”
“Oh, well, it’s all right,” smiled Swift, in an easy way. “I did not know I was hurting you, else you may be sure I’d not said so much. But, of course, I must continue to think what I like about him.”
“That’s it—you think what you wish to think, not what is the truth about him.”
“Oh, Miss Burrage!”
“I know it!” she persisted, her dark eyes flashing. “Do you imagine that you are showing a liberal spirit, Mr. Swift? Don’t you think you are making yourself seem rather small and mean?”
“Inza!” exclaimed her father restrainingly.
“Don’t be disturbed, papa,” she said, soothingly. “I can take care of this case very well.”