“Not on your life. She might if you went out there for her.”
Hale looked up quickly and slowly shook his head.
“Look here, Jack, you're seein' things wrong. You can't blame that girl for losing her head after you spoiled and pampered her the way you did. And with all her sense it was mighty hard for her to understand your being arrayed against her flesh and blood—law or no law. That's mountain nature pure and simple, and it comes mighty near bein' human nature the world over. You never gave her a square chance.”
“You know what Uncle Billy said?”
“Yes, an' I know Uncle Billy changed his mind. Go after her.”
“No,” said Hale firmly. “It'll take me ten years to get out of debt. I wouldn't now if I could—on her account.”
“Nonsense.” Hale rose.
“I'm going over to take a look around and get some things I left at Uncle Billy's and then—me for the wide, wide world again.”
The Hon. Sam took off his spectacles to wipe them, but when Hale's back was turned, his handkerchief went to his eyes:
“Don't you worry, Jack.”