“I'm afraid you couldn't do that, John,” she said.
“It isn't an open meeting, and men are not admitted. But Gertie doesn't need to go.”
“Yes, I do, Mother.”
“No, you don't. I'll explain to Mrs. Lake and the rest. Of course you won't go and leave John here alone.”
“Daddy will be with him and I shall hurry home as soon as I can. I must go, John; I really must. I will explain why later. If I had only known that you were coming! If you had only written me! WHY did you come without writing?”
Captain Dan, fearful of the answer, and indignant at his daughter's conduct, burst into protest.
“You ought to be glad he's come, anyhow,” he declared. “I cal'late he thought—I don't care, Serena, I've said 'cal'late' all my life, and I can't help forgettin' once in a while—I suppose John thought he'd surprise you, Gertie. And now you're goin' to clear out and leave him, just on account of that—that Chapter of yours. You never used to be crazy about Chapters. You used to poke fun at 'em. You did and you know it. But since you've got here to Scarford—I can't help it, Serena; I'm mad clean through. Can't YOU tell that girl to stay to home where she belongs?”
“Gertie,” began Serena, again; but her daughter would not listen.
“Don't, Mother!” she cried, “you are wasting time. We shall be late, as it is. John knows that my going is necessary, or I should not do it. He trusts me to that extent, I hope.”
“Of course,” said Mr. Doane heartily. “Run along and don't say any more about it. Come back as soon as you can, that's all. Shan't I come after you? I can wait outside until the thing is over.”