"'Beautiful!'I says. 'How is Marie Benson?'
"'Oh, the second time I went to see her she was trying to keep up with Lizzie,' says he. 'She's changed her gait. Was going to New York after a lot o' new frills. I suppose she thought that I wanted a grand lady. That's the trouble with all the girls here. A man might as well marry the real thing as an imitation. I wish Lizzie would get down off her high horse.'
"'She's goin' to swap him for one with still longer legs,' I says.
'Lizzie is engaged to a gentleman o' fortune in the old country.'
"Dan's face began to stretch out long as if it was made of injy-rubber.
"'It's too bad,' says he. 'Lizzie is a good-hearted girl, if she is spoilt.'
"'Fine girl!' I says. 'An', Dan, I was in hopes that she would discover her own folly before it was too late. But she saw that others had begun to push her in the race an' that she had to let out another link or fall behind.'
"'Well, I wish her happiness,' says Dan, with a sigh.
"'Go an' tell her so,' I says. 'Show her that you have some care as to whether she lives or dies.'
"I could see that his feelin's had been honed 'til they were sharp as a razor.
"'I've seen that fellow,' he says, 'an' he'll never marry Lizzie if I can prevent it. I hate the looks of him. I shall improve the first opportunity I have to insult him.'