“I don’t care for your pride, if you all admire the cute child.” Jo withdrew her hand from his. “Here comes Thaine now. I think you’d better take Leigh home. Thaine will take me, I’m sure. But I’ll go to refreshments with you,” she added, for she knew how to play on more than one string.
“Why, Josephine, my queen, my queen, where are you hiding? I’ve danced an extra, waiting for you. Todd Stewart, I’ll have to kill you yet tonight. What do you mean by breaking up my party?”
Thaine caught Jo’s arm and with a mock thrust at Todd he whirled her into the house.
“Did you really miss me?” Jo’s big dark eyes were fastened on Thaine’s face. 226 “More than tongue can tell. Who wouldn’t miss you?” Thaine’s eyes were shining mischievously.
“Leigh Shirley wouldn’t,” Jo said softly and half sadly.
Something impenetrable dropped before Thaine’s face.
“Let’s go out to the honeysuckle arbor and not dance now. I’m so tired,” Jo murmured, with a sweet pleading in her voice.
“I fixed it just for you,” Thaine declared as he led the way to the moonlit lawn and shadowy seat.
“You are so good to me, Thaine. What makes you do so many things just for me? I know you don’t really care for me. You are so different from most farmers’ sons.” Jo’s head drooped a little and she put one hand on his arm.
“I can’t help being good to folks. It’s just the angel in me,” Thaine declared. Then he added seriously, “I wish I could do something for you, Jo. All the boys are wild about you tonight. You are a picture.”