“I am sorry. Tempest and I have been such good comrades, have we not, old boy?� Tibby patted the horse’s neck with her gauntleted hand.
“You have kind words for everything except me,� Donald said accusingly.
Tibby laughed a ringing, merry laugh, and turned toward Donald with shining, challenging eyes.
“The poor little man, was I unkind to him? I really didn’t know it. What shall I say that is kind?�
“That you love me and will become my wife.� It was an unsuitable time and place for such a demand, and Donald realized it when the words had escaped his tongue. He had not intended to say as much at this time, and he execrated himself for his folly.
Again Tibby’s large eyes opened to their widest extent, rebellion and reproach in their depths.
“O, you foolish, wicked man! How you have disappointed me! Where is Esther McCleary? O, you shifting weather-vane!�
“Don’t, Miss Tibby. Why should you ask me of Esther? You surely do not think me responsible for her abduction. Esther was to me as to you, a friend. I never professed to love her, or any other woman save you.�
“You are mad! You don’t know your own mind!�
“I’m afraid you do not, Tibby. Listen to me.�