I thought of my “popularity” and the admiration of my “public spirit” as manifested in the attentions of Captain Jed and Eldredge and their followers, and I turned my head away so that she might not see my face.
“And I am glad you are going to the strawberry festival. I can't remember when you attended such a function before. Boy—”
“Yes, Mother.”
“There isn't any reason, any special reason, for your going, is there?”
“Why, what do you mean?”
“I mean—well, you are young and I did not know but, perhaps, some one else was going, some one you were interested in, and—and—”
I laughed aloud. “Mother!” I said, reproachfully.
“Why not? I am very proud of my handsome boy, and I know that—”
“There! there! I haven't noticed that my beauty is so fascinating as to be dangerous. No, Mother, there is no 'special reason' for my going to-night. I promised George Taylor, that was all.”
“Well, I am sure you will have a good time. Kiss me, Boy. Good-night.”