“You always talk as if I were a child!” and the scarlet lips pouted petulantly.
“Of course! I always think of you as a kiddy in a middy.”
“This isn’t a middy, it’s a smock, and a very grown up one at that.”
“Do smocks grow up? Thought they only grew old. Well, anyway, whatever your age, I’ve no time to waste on you this morning. My country needs me!”
“You’re always so unkind to me,——” and two crystal drops formed in the big, brown eyes.
Now, William Farnsworth was the sort of man who can’t stand seeing a woman in distress. And though he knew that this sixteen-year-old chit could have no real or deep trouble, he yet could not bring himself to speak sternly to her, and tell her to leave the room.
Against his will, he obeyed the dictates of his kind heart, and taking out his watch, said:
“I’ll give you ten minutes. Spill your story in Papa’s ear!”
The dark little face lighted with gladness, and Lena murmured, “How good you are! Listen, then! You know my friend, Gracie Hadley?”
“Haven’t the pleasure. Who’s she in America?”