“You are a loyal friend, aren't you, Mr. Paine.”
“I have reason to be loyal to George,” I answered, with feeling.
“Are you as loyal to yourself?”
I looked up at her in surprise.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I have been trying to understand you, Mr. Paine. Trying to get the answer to the puzzle. In one way I think I have it. I understand your attitude in the Lane affair and I think I know why you came to Denboro and are staying here.”
I stopped short. “You—you know THAT?” I cried.
“I think I do. You believe that your mother needs you and you will not leave her. That is your reason for living here, I think. But, in another way, I cannot understand you at all.”
She spoke to the horse and we moved on again. I waited for her to continue, but she was silent.
“How? What is the other way! The way in which you cannot understand me?” I asked.