“I’m your friend? Ay, but are you mine, Will?”
“Yes—that is to say”—
“That is to say, so far as Betty Alden permits,” cried Gillian, honestly losing control of herself, and flashing into the young man’s eyes a look that made him start back as Julio did when Lamia suddenly revealed herself a serpent. Without a word he strode past her and up the hill, where seeking out his friend, Will Bradford, he drew him aside and said, “Would you do me a kindness, Will?”
“You know I would, man. What is it?”
“Take Gillian Brewster away as soon as may be.”
“Oho! What has she done now?”
“That’s what I can’t tell you, Bill, but you’ll trust me that it’s no discourtesy that I can help, to make such a petition.”
“I know that, Bill Pabodie.”
“Well, then”—