“I know why you wish to see me,” she said quickly before he could speak. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am about what happened this afternoon.”
“You risked your life to pull my son from the lake, young lady. I wish to thank you.”
Connie was taken completely by surprise. Mr. Grimes did not look in the least angry.
“Why, didn’t Cecil tell you——” she began.
“Oh, yes, my son said a number of things about this fellow called Lefty, but I finally got the true story out of him. He probably deserved the ducking.”
Connie could scarcely believe that she had heard correctly. She had been expecting a severe rebuke. Her surprise was heightened as the old gentleman continued:
“Cecil has become a difficult problem of late. I dare say a few such experiences might serve to take some of the conceit out of the boy.”
“Then you’re not angry?” Connie gasped.
Mr. Grimes glanced quickly about to make certain that no one was within hearing distance of his voice.
“Quite the contrary,” he declared. “I wish I had been there to see it myself. We’ll just consider the incident closed.”