"There, now, sit down, my friend. I only said that so you might reveal how sincere you are, and I won't use any more diplomacy with you."
"I hope not," he replied laughing grimly. "You ought to know, what I am fast finding out, that a young fellow, like me, can no more understand a woman, unless she is frank, than he can Choctaw."
Mrs. Willoughby laughed heartily, and said: "I'll be frank with you, if you will be so with me."
"Then tell me why I am treated by so many in your set as if I had overrun the South with fire and sword?"
His first question proved that she could not be frank, for in order to give an adequate explanation she would have to reveal to him his father's animus and the hostility it evoked. She temporized by saying: "I do not so treat you, and surely Miss Bodine seemed to enjoy your conversation."
"I'm not so sure of that. At any rate she said she would have to ostracize me like the rest."
"She was kind in telling you that she would have to do so. She certainly bears you no ill-will."
"She probably does not care enough about me yet to do that. The worst of it is that I shall have no chance. Her father objects to her having anything to do with me, and that blocks everything. Even if I were capable of seeking a clandestine acquaintance, she is not. She is a thoroughly good girl; she doesn't know how to be deceitful."
"I'm glad you appreciate her so truly."
"I'd be a donkey if I didn't."