"I refuse to obey, Miss Obstinacy." A low chuckle.
"I suppose I'll have to endure you, then," she said, with mock seriousness.
"I suppose you will," he said. He seemed to enjoy the tilt. "But Miss Bright—." He stood still and faced her. "—I didn't know you were such a fighter. Here I have been trying to make you understand how I appreciate you, and you almost give me a black eye."
"You had two before—ever you saw me," she said.
"You have looked into them, then," he said, maliciously, "so that you know their color?"
He was, provokingly confident in his manner. Suddenly she stopped again. They were almost at Mrs. Carmichael's door, and Robert Duncan's shack was not far away.
"Really, Mr Hastings," she said, resuming a serious tone, "I do wish you would leave me."
"No," he persisted, "I am going to see you safely home."
Mrs. Carmichael met them at the door. Donald had already reached home, and had told her of Bobbie's refusal to return with him. She patted the little one on the head. He was an attractive little boy, and it was evident Mrs. Carmichael loved him. She stooped and extended her arms, and the child ran into them.
"So my Bobbie was nae coming home tae his auntie? What'd I dae wi'oot him?"