She became serious.
"Well,—if I thought you were, I wouldn't come back for any more Grammar."
"Why?" I asked.
"Joe's not very well pleased about it. Guess he thinks nobody should be able to speak better'n he can."
"Oh!—never mind Joe," I exclaimed. "He'll come round, and your grand-dad's consent is all you need anyway."
"Sure! But I know, all the same, that Joe's got it in for you. He hasn't forgot the words you and he had."
"When did you see him last, Rita?"
"He was in to-day. Wanted to know where I was going. Grand-dad told him, then Joe got mad. Says you're 'too damned interfering.' Yes! Joe said it. He said to Grand-dad, 'You ain't got no right lettin' that kid go over there. Girls ain't got any business learnin' lessons off'n men.'
"Grand-dad said, 'Aw! forget it, Joe. She's got my permission, so let that end it. George Bremner's all right.'
"The settlers are arranging for a teacher up here next summer. Why can't she wait till then and get her lessons from a reg'lar professional, and no gol-durned amatoor,' said Joe.