“Not at all. Most people can resist anything—except temptation! Given a strong enough temptation and a perfect opportunity, and your staunchest, most conscientious spirit is going to succumb.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“You don’t have to—and maybe it isn’t always true. But it often is. Howsomever, it has no bearing on the present case. Your father is not going to lose his head—and though you might do so”—he smiled at her—“I can’t see you getting a chance! You’re not in on the deal, in any way, are you?”
“No; except that Mr. Appleby asked me to use all my influence with father.”
“Which you’ve done?”
“Yes; but it made not the slightest impression.”
“Of course not. I say, Maid, young Sam isn’t coming down here, is he?”
“Not that I know of,” but Maida couldn’t help her rising color, for she knew what Allen was thinking.
“Just let him try it, that’s all! Just let him show his rubicund countenance in these parts—if he wants trouble!”
“Does anybody ever want trouble?” Maida smiled a little.