“That’s true, I think,” said Dick. “I can’t remember much about my illness, but I’ve a notion that she took very good care of me. Still, there’s no reason I should give her further trouble when I’m getting better, and I want you to make arrangements for carrying me back to the dam. Perhaps a hammock would be the best plan.”
“You’re not fit to be moved yet.”
“I’m going, anyhow,” Dick replied with quiet resolution.
After trying in vain to persuade him, Jake went away, and soon afterwards Kenwardine came in. The light was strong and Dick noted the touches of gray in his short, dark hair, but except for this he looked young and athletic. His figure was graceful, his dress picturesque, for he wore white duck with a colored silk shirt and red sash, and he had an easy, good-humored manner. Sitting down close by, he gave Dick a friendly smile.
“I’m glad to find you looking better, but am surprised to hear you think of leaving us,” he said.
“My work must be falling behind and Stuyvesant has nobody to put in my place.”
“He sent word that they were getting on all right,” Kenwardine remarked.
“I’m afraid he was overstating it with a good motive. Then, you see, I have given you and Miss Kenwardine a good deal of trouble and can’t take advantage of your kindness any longer. It would be an unfair advantage, because I’m getting well. Of course I’m very grateful, particularly as I have no claim on you.”
“That is a point you can hardly urge. You are a countryman, and your cousin is a friend of mine. I think on that ground we are justified in regarding you as an acquaintance.”
Dick was silent for a few moments. He felt that had things been different he would have liked Kenwardine. The man had charm and had placed him under a heavy obligation. Dick admitted this frankly, but could not stay any longer in his house. He had, however, a better reason for going than his dislike to accepting Kenwardine’s hospitality. Clare had robbed him and he must get away before he thought of her too much. It was an awkward situation and he feared he had not tact enough to deal with it.