She said nothing. He moved his chair nearer.
"He told me things that scared me to death—among others that he and Marian are engaged."
"Yes, Marian told me that."
"Ah! She really takes it seriously, does she?"
"Yes, she takes it seriously; why shouldn't she?"
"It's the first time she ever took anything seriously; that's all."
"Please don't speak of her like that, Dan. You know she and I are friends, and I thought you and she were friends too. She always speaks of you in the very kindest way. Your leaving Mr. Bassett didn't make any difference with her. And you are the greatest of Blackford's heroes next to Nelson and Farragut."
Dan laughed.
"So it isn't Napoleon, and Grant and Custer any more? I'm glad he's settled down to something."
"He's a fine boy with a lot of the right stuff in him. We've been having some lessons together."