"And are you always to be at the beck and whistle of your father even in your pleasures?"
Priscilla was in just the attitude of mind to receive this suggestion with appreciation.
"There's no reason why I shouldn't go if I want to," she said with an uplift of her head.
"And—don't you want to?" Jerry-Jo's eyes were taking in the loveliness of the raised face as the setting sun fell upon it.
"Yes, I do want to! I'll go, Jerry-Jo."
Then McAlpin came close to her and said in a low voice:
"Priscilla, give us a kiss for pay."
So taken out of herself was the girl, so overpowered by the excitement of adventure, that before she realized her part in the small drama of passionate youth, she gave a mocking laugh and twisted her lips saucily.
Jerry-Jo had her in his arms on the instant, and the hot kiss he pressed on her mouth roused her to fury.
"If you ever touch me again," she whispered, struggling into freedom, "I'll hate you to the last day of my life!"