I had no business reason at all. Except for Mother's counsel not to sell, which was based upon sentiment and nothing else, and my own stubbornness, I had no reason at all. Yet I was, if anything, more firm in my resolve.
“How about the Lane?” he demanded. “You know what that Lane means to Denboro?”
“I know what you say it means. The townspeople can continue to use the Lane, just as they always have, so long as they behave themselves. There is no use of our talking further, Captain. I've made up my mind.”
He went away, soon after, but he asked another question.
“Will you do this much for me?” he asked. “Will you promise me not to sell the land to Colton?”
“No,” I said, “I will make no promise of any kind, to anybody.”
“Oh,” with a scornful sniff, “I see. I'm on to you. You're just hangin' out for a big price. I might have known it. You're on Colton's side, after all.”
I rose. I was angry now.
“I told you price had nothing to do with it,” I said, sharply. “I am on no one's side. The town is welcome to use the Lane; that I have told you already. There is nothing more to be said.”
He shook his head.