'Dimpey!' said he, 'you musn't think I'm jealous of Ned; I want to see you happy, but I am sorry he asked you first, for it's a dangerous road up the mountain, and Ned does drive too reckless, that's a fact; I hope he don't mean to take them young sorrels of his?'
Now, I know I ought to have told Race the whole truth; but I was so afraid he might say something to father; I only answered:
'Oh, I guess Ned will be careful enough; he goes up to High Farm very often, and his horses are used to the road.'
'Yes,' said Race; 'but the worst part is past High Farm; however, perhaps he'll be careful; so don't say that I interfered, Dimpey; for I don't want any words with Ned.'
He didn't say anything after that until we got to our gate, and then he spoke out so sudden, he made me start.
'Dimpey, if you knew—'
I don't know what he meant to say, for father was sitting on the doorstep, and called out:
'Is that you, Polly?'
'It's Dimpey, father,' said I. 'Widow Burt is very sick, and needs watchers; and Mrs. Miller and Polly Jane are going to sit up with her to-night.'
So we came in; and after talking a few minutes with father, Race went home.