“Well!” exclaimed Mr. Bangs. “I didn't believe he had that much heart inside of him. I bet you that cost four or five dollars; ain't that so, Cy?”
The captain did not answer.
“Don't you think so, teacher?” repeated Bailey, turning to Phoebe. “What ails you? You don't seem surprised.”
“I'm not,” replied the lady. “I expected something of that sort.”
Captain Cy wheeled from the window.
“You DID?” he asked.
“Yes. Miss Phinney said the other day she had heard that that man was going to give his daughter a beautiful present. She was very enthusiastic about his generosity and self-sacrifice. I asked who told her and she said Mr. Simpson.”
“Oh! Tad? Is that so!” The captain looked at her.
“Yes. And I think there is no doubt that Simpson had orders to make the 'generosity' known to as many townspeople as possible.”
“Hum! I see. You figure that Thomas cal'lates 'twill help his popularity and make his case stronger; is that it?”