“There is no danger,” I replied; “you are certainly the idol there.”
“Oh, you tell me that to blind me, but I know a thing or two. By the way, how is our little foundling. I heard to-day that your folks had brought her here to raise up as a wife for you. I suppose you wish to train her up to suit you, so she will not have to learn your ways after marriage.”
“You heard a most infamous falsehood, then, and you can tell your informant I said so,” I replied, the blood rushing to my face.
“Well, don’t get mad about it; I was only joking. I want to call on her; when will she receive company?”
“Not in a year or two,” I said, emphatically. “She is going up the country next week, and will not return till the fall, when she will commence school, and be closely occupied with her studies.”
“I see it is plain you fear rivals. I will not trouble you.”
Before I could reply he was gone.
