“I want to know! How long are you goin' to be gone?”
“I'm not sure. Three or four days probably.”
“And I've got to stay here alone?”
“Why, you won't be alone. Cousin Percy will be here, and there's Azuba.”
“Yes, and that everlastin' Hapgood, I suppose. Say, Serena, have you GOT to go?”
“Got to? Why, I WANT to! It's an honor. Don't you want me to go?”
“Why—why, I suppose I do; but—but—”
“But, what? Oh, you DON'T want me to go! I can see—and I thought you'd be so glad!”
She was almost in tears. Daniel's sensitive conscience smote him once more. “Land sakes!” he protested. “Of course I want you to go, Serena! I wouldn't have you do anything else for the world. I—I was just kind of lonesome, that's all. I get that way sometimes, lately. Seems as if you and I don't see as much of each other as we used to. Do you think it's all worth while?”
“Worth while! Why, Daniel Dott!”