"Then he doesn't like my chums?"
"He said if you would give up those Stony Road boys—"
"I'm no snob to go back on a boy because he's poor!"
"Why, it's not that! Hugh and his chums are poor but—"
"They say they torture animals!" broke in Laura.
"I told them I was sure you wouldn't allow that," Alene protested.
Her warm defense seemed to mollify the boy; his air of mockery and resentment fell away and he gave her a grateful glance. Then his attention became absorbed in keeping the skiff a safe distance from some passing barges.
For a time there was silence. The boy cleared the tow and continued rowing, giving all his attention to the boat.
The girls glanced at each other, fearing they had offended him.
With a sudden impulse he ceased his energetic rowing and let the skiff drift. His face flushed as he said: