“I didn’t know you gossiped,� parried Trench.
“Oh, I love it!� she protested, “and Diana won’t tell me. It sounds so romantic, too. I’ll know, though—because you’ll ask her to dance next if you did.�
“I don’t think you will know,� said Caleb.
She looked across the counter at him, her head on one side. “Why won’t you tell me?�
“Ask Miss Royall,� he suggested quietly.
“I know it’s true now!� Kitty cried.
“Go home and mind your own business, you minx!� said Judge Hollis, suddenly appearing, his large figure filling the door. “Don’t let her waste your time, Caleb,—the idlest little girl in the county.�
“I’ve won my dollar!� cried Kitty, presenting an ungloved little hand, the pink palm up; “pay your debts, sir.�
The judge laughed and drew out a silver dollar. “Are you going, Caleb?� he asked. “I won’t pay till I’m certain; the baggage fleeces me.�
“I’ve promised,� said Caleb, smiling; “she’s fairly earned it, Judge.�