“Your father misrepresented my meaning, I'm afraid,” I stammered. “I was angry when I sent that message. It was not intended to include you.”
“Thank you. Father seemed inclined to agree with your estimate—part of it, at least. He is very much interested in you, Mr. Paine.”
“Yes,” I answered, dryly. “I can understand that.”
Her smile broke into a ripple of laughter.
“You are quite distinctive, in your way,” she said. “You may not be aware of it, but I have never known father to be so disturbed and puzzled about any one as he is about you.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes, he is, indeed.”
“I am sorry that I am the cause of so much mental strain.”
“No, you are not. From what I have learned about you, from him, I think you enjoy it. You must. It is great fun.”
“Fun! Well, perhaps. Does your—does Mrs. Colton find it funny?”