He paused without framing the rest of the question.
She suddenly stood up and flamed out.
“Yes, I am—that 's just what I am goin' to do. That 's what I 've come here for. You may take a liberty with the Judge—he 's doty; but you can't take a liberty with me —I 'm Squire Jefford's daughter, and I 'm goin' to show you.”
She was facing him now, and her black eyes were darting fire. Thompson was quite staggered.
“Why, Mary! I am surprised at you. Your father's old friend—who has had you on his knee many a time. I am shocked and surprised—and mortified and—astonished—and mortified——”
“You 've done said that one once,” she said, icily.
“Why, Mary, I thought we were friends—” he began. But she cut in on him.
“Friends!” She spoke with contempt. “You 've had it in for Dick ever since he was a boy.” Her voice suddenly broke and the tears sprang to her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.
“Why, Mary—no such thing—I assure you—Dick and I are the best of friends— dear friends.”
Her sniff was more forcible than words. She wiped her eyes and looked at him with freezing contempt.