"I didn't run last; I ran first." It was impossible to resent the boy's smile.
"Then at what game did you last run? I hope I'm not too curious?"
"Oh no, not at all!" Speed stammered.
"Or, if it is easier, at what college games did you first run?"
Mrs. Keap was laughing openly now.
"Why the clear, ringing, rippling laughter?" asked the young man, to cover his confusion.
"Because I think it is very funny."
"Oh, you do!" Speed took refuge behind an attitude of unbending dignity, but the young widow would have none of it.
"I know all about you," said she. "You are a very wonderful person, of course; you are a delightful fellow at a house-party, and a most suitable individual generally, but you are not an athlete, in spite of those beautiful clothes in your trunk."
"Who told you?"
"Culver Covington."