“I hope I shall meet her again some time,” he said to himself.
“I say, who be you?”
Walter turned quickly, and found himself confronted by a stout, hulking young fellow, broad-shouldered, and dressed in country fashion. He was, judging from his appearance, about twenty-one years of age. His tone and face indicated that he was displeased.
“Why do you want to know?” asked Walter coldly.
“Why do I want to know? I'll tell you why I want to know. I ain't goin' to have any city dude chinning up to my best girl.”
“Is Miss Jennie Gilbert your best girl?” asked Walter.
“Well, she can be if she wants to be. I picked her out a year ago, and as soon as she is old enough I'm goin' to let her know it.”
“Then she isn't your best girl now?”
“No matter whether she is or not. I ain't goin' to have you paying 'tentions to her.”
“I don't see what business it is of yours,” retorted Walter.