Mr. Alexander smiled happily. “It ain’t every man what has a gal that says that, eh?”
“You’re right there, Mr. Alexander,” agreed Mr. Fabian, glad to speak and express something worthy of himself.
“And Dodo is sure one fine gal, too. I wonder why she ain’t sp’iled like other gals I see.”
“Perhaps her father’s example is before her,” ventured Eleanor. And forever after that, Dodo swore allegiance to Eleanor.
“I’m right glad you-all met Dodo, ’cause I was fearin’ the missus might get her to give in to them foolish notions about gettin’ a furriner. Did you tell ’em, Dodo?” said her father.
“Yes, Pa, and the girls are going to help me cure Ma of that fad.”
“That’s the best news, yet! I hope you kin do it!” said he, slapping his knee. “You must be real gals, too, like mine, here.”
Polly laughed, and Eleanor said: “We like to ride and hike, and have good times, but we’re not out hunting for husbands. If we ever reach that place where we want to marry, we’ll take a man we know by heart, and not one who is buying a doll made up at a hair-dresser and beauty-doctor’s.”
“You’re the right sort, all right!” chuckled the little man, transferring the slap from his knee to Eleanor’s back.
Eleanor gasped for breath but she considered the sharp commendation a compliment that any man might be glad to get. Mr. Fabian had to smile at Eleanor’s sudden gasp and instant recovery, but Polly laughed outright, for she was accustomed to such pleasantries from the ranchers at home.