“Oh, sure, I had a dandy dance,” said he lightly.
“Well, good night, happy dreams,” she said, her eyes laughing in the moonlight.
Dick misread the glance and said boldly, “You are not going yet, are you?”
“Why not?” Alta’s tone showed surprise; “it’s late enough.”
“Not till I get something sweet,” he said smartly, as he grabbed her hands and bent to kiss her.
“Dick Davis! How dare you?” she exclaimed in startled, injured tone, as she jerked away and turned to the door.
Dick was nonplused, but he caught his astonished breath to say, “Oh, don’t be scared! I won’t hurt you; so long.” Then swinging into his saddle he dug his spurs into his pony and dashed off, while Alta half ran into the house.
When she reached her room she stood by the window for a time, tapping her foot temperishly on the floor.
“The smarty!” she said, half aloud; “what does he take me for? I don’t know why boys can’t be happy and be gentlemen at the same time. I’m tired of their nonsense.”
She began rather impetuously to disrobe. Then she stopped to watch the fleecy clouds glide calmly over the face of the moon. Again she turned to her couch and tucked herself among the comforts, where she lay tossing with her thoughts, and trying to nurse her indignant feelings against Dick into a real hate; but somehow she could not do it. Her heart was troubled. One thing only was clear: she must not tell her uncle a word about it. It would trouble him, too. Alta feared the consequences, if her uncle found out that Dick had mistreated her. No, she would keep such worries to herself. With this thought she fell asleep.