She thought of telling him she had been too busy; then, moved by an impulse of impatience, met his gaze fully, and told him part of the truth.
"I should think you would understand that a girl has to be careful of what she does!"
"You mean about us being friends?"
"Oh, we can be friends, but——If you can't see it, then I can't tell you," she finished.
"I can see it, I reckon. You saved my life, and I expect some human cat got his claws out and said it was because you were fond of me.
"Then you saved it again by your nursing. No two ways about that. Doc Brown says you and Jim did. I was so sick folks knew it had to be. But now I'm getting well, you have to show them you're not interested in me. Isn't that about it?"
"Yes."
"But you don't have to show me, too, do you?"
"Am I not—courteous?"
"I ain't worrying any about your courtesy. But, look here, Phyllie. Have you forgotten what happened in the kitchen that night you helped me to escape?"