That's all right; you needn't trouble to say no.
But you must understand that, realizin' it, I'm not exactly imposin'
myself on you for pleasure or--well, from choice. I'm so built that I
can't shirk when my conscience tells me I shouldn't, that's all. I'm
kind of tired to-night, and I guess you are. To-morrow mornin', if it's
agreeable to all hands, we will have a little business talk. I'll have
to see Lawyer Graves pretty soon, and have a gen'ral look at your pa's
affairs. Then, if everything is all right and I feel my duty's done,
I'll probably go back to the Cape and leave you to him, or somebody else
able to look out for you. Until then I'm afraid," with a smile which had
a trace of bitterness in it; "I'm afraid you'll have to do the best you
can with me. I'll try to be no more of a nuisance than I can help. Good
night."
When the two young people were left alone, Caroline turned to her
brother.
"Steve," she said, "I'm afraid you were a little rude. I'm afraid you
hurt his feelings."
The boy stared at her in wonder. "Hurt his feelings!" he exclaimed. "HIS
feelings! Well, by Jove! Caro, you're a wonder! Did you expect me to
throw my arms around his neck? If he had had any feelings at all, if he
was the slightest part of a gentleman, do you suppose he would come here
and disgrace us as he is doing? Who invited him? Did we? I guess not!"
"But he is father's brother, and father asked him to come.
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