Fred had too much spirit to take kindly to being insulted, but Nellie's warm hearted manner of sympathizing with him, and her criticism of his rival, made him almost wish De Vere were again present to make some insolent remark, that he might have the pleasure of hearing Nellie still further champion his cause.
"But you did not tell me what made him so uncivil," continued Nellie.
"No."
"Do you know?"
"I suppose he was vexed."
"I should think he must have been very much piqued to act as he did."
"Yes, it would seem so."
"But what could have caused it, I wonder?" asked Nellie, with much innocence.
"Do you really want me to tell you?"
"Why, to be sure I do."