"Nonsense! Make an effort! It's in you. You're a soldier—there are other battles to be fought beside those on the battlefield."
"I know. And I'll fight—when I must. It hasn't come to that yet. I haven't given up hope. Don't talk to me as if I were a coward. I went off to Manila, and I loved her then. I didn't know when I wished her good-bye but that it might be the last time I should ever see her. But it wasn't so bad as this man walking in here, a perfect stranger, and trying to steal her under my very eyes—when I've known her all my life. And what does it all mean? Fine talk—a little extra polish!"
"Lord Canning's a very interesting man—a man who holds a high position in England. Indiana also has her future to make. You mustn't expect because you've played with her as a child—well, what is the use of talking sense to you!"
"You mean well by me, Mrs. Bunker, and I thank you for it—you may be even right in what you say. You've travelled a great deal and met hosts of people, and you're very experienced, but you don't understand. This has been growing in me before I knew—growing with my growth—and growing after I knew—it's tearing a flower from the roots!" He rose abruptly and leaned against the door.
"Come out," called Stillwater. "What are you sitting over the fire for? The sun feels fine to-day! This is great weather! I'm half sorry that I didn't join the rest and bring down a few birds. Here's a boat coming in now. Lord Stafford's man with Haller."
"I don't see anything of Indiana nowadays, since those Englishmen have been here."
Mr. Stillwater looked at him significantly. "Well, they'll be gone soon—then we'll have her all to ourselves again, my boy!"
"Mr. Stillwater, you—you don't think Indiana cares for that man, do you?"
"No!" replied Mr. Stillwater, scornfully.
"He's a man of position," said Glen, "and she's flattered—that's all."