Dan Webster with a shade over his eyes was one person; Dan Webster without the shade was very much another person! His eyes were blue as forget-me-nots—merry eyes, loving eyes, eyes which women raved about.
Dan himself was full of charm. He was possessed also of that rare virtue—gratitude.
He had never forgotten how sweet Phyllis had been to him in his blindness, and he had often longed to show her his gratitude in some way that she would understand. He was unfeignedly glad when Mr. Burns, who had met him at Hastings Station, told him that “little Phil” was come to stay at Hawk’s Nest.
Dan had an idea that Colonel Lane was a little too much “down” on Phyllis. He was too strict for so high-spirited yet innocent a girl. “Phyllis is just a kiddie,” Dan had once remarked to Mrs. Barrimore, “she means no harm.”
And Mrs. Barrimore had thoroughly agreed with the young painter’s view of the case.
But as Colonel Lane had entrusted Phyllis to the care of his “dear friend,” she felt that she was on her honor to prevent Phyllis from flirting with Dan. Colonel Lane had known that Dan would be staying at Hawk’s Nest, so he had shown great trust in Mrs. Barrimore when he had asked her to take his daughter into her home.
So it happened that while Mr. Burns was escorting Dan from the station (Dan had insisted on walking as he wanted to “stretch his legs”), Mrs. Barrimore was reading a gentle lecture to her wilful young guest.
“You won’t flirt with Dan, will you, dear?” she began nervously. “Your father would not like it, and now that he has trusted you by sending you here—don’t you think—”
“What I think is that you are a dear darling!” exclaimed the girl impulsively, kissing the tame lecturer, “and you want to please father—oh! I know! and you are looking absolutely lovely!”
Mrs. Barrimore had blushed that beautiful pink at the girl’s words.