“I don’t think so. I like to stand by my friends. I haven’t many; I haven’t any I like better than Mrs. Dale. So, whatever it is that she has done, I shall stay with her as long as she wants me, and do all I can to prevent these stories getting to papa’s and mamma’s ears.”
Rudolph looked at her fair face, which was aglow with generous enthusiasm, and smiled in hearty approval.
“That’s right,” said he warmly. “And if people are too much shocked by your daring, why you can marry me, you know, and when once you’re married you can snap your fingers at them all.”
But at this suggestion Mabin had suddenly turned pale. In truth she liked Rudolph well enough not to be able to bear a jest on the idea of marriage with him. Naturally he was surprised and even a little hurt by the abrupt change in her sensitive face.
“Oh, you need not look so frightened,” said he, laughing. “I only suggested it as a last resource in case of extremity.”
“Oh, I know. But—what extremity?”
“If people think the worse of you for standing by your friend.”
Mabin drew her tall, slim figure to its fullest height.
“I shouldn’t care,” said she. “I should snap my fingers at them in any case.”
Rudolph considered her for a few silent minutes. It was then that she uttered the words which reached Mrs. Dale’s ears, and startled while they comforted the unhappy woman: