Dallas pondered a few minutes, then he said, half to himself, “I wonder if he enjoys it.”
“No, he don’t,” said Airy, frankly. “He don’t, but what kin I do. I’ve got to learn how to be a lady.”
“I’ll speak to the Judge,” said Dallas, calmly. “I think I could give you lessons. It’s a shame to bother a man of his age.”
Airy’s eyes sparkled faintly. This polite boy could teach her as well as the Judge could. However, she felt too exhausted to discuss the matter, and sat quietly on the sofa.
“I’ll come to you,” said Dallas; “you’re not strong enough to come here.”
“I likes it,” she said, faintly; “I likes this house.”
“Well, perhaps when you are stronger,” he said, decidedly. “Just now, you look as if you ought not to leave your own rooftree. I’ll come and teach you several days a week after school is over. I suppose you’ll be moving soon, if the Judge has given you a house?”
“You bet we will,” she said, faintly.
“And now,” he went on, “I am going to have a carriage sent for, and one of the maids will go home with you.”
“I’m not worth it,” said Airy, but she was delighted, he could tell by her wan smile.