She got at the heart of this mystery when she appeared at the lawn fete to help the Tapp girls and their mother entertain. She was introduced at that time to the Taffy King. Louise thought him rather a funny little man, and his excitability vastly amused her.
She caught him staring at her and scowling more than once; so, in her direct way, she asked him what he meant by it.
"Don't you approve at all of me, Mr. Tapp?" she asked, presenting him with a cup of tea that he did not want.
"Ha! Beg pardon!" ejaculated the candy manufacturer. "Did you think I was watching you?"
"I know you were," she rejoined. "And your disapproval is marked. Tell me my faults. Of course, I sha'n't like you if you do; but I am curious."
"Huh! I'd like to see what that son of mine sees in you, Miss
Grayling," he blurted out.
"Does he see anything particular in me?" Louise queried, her color rising, but with a twinkle in her eye.
"He's crazy about you," said I. Tapp.
"Oh! Is that why you and he disagreed?"
"It's going to cost him his home and his patrimony," the candy manufacturer declared fiercely. "I won't have it, I tell you! I've other plans for him. He's got to do as I say, or——"