But she did not laugh long. When
she next spoke she was serious enough.
"Mr. Bangs," she said, "you don't think it dishonorable, or mean to
father, for me to keep on seeing Nelson, do you? Father keeps ordering
me not to, but I never say I won't. If he asked me I should tell him
that I did."
Galusha's answer was promptly given.
"No, I don't think it dishonorable," he said. "Of course, you must see
him. It is too bad that you are obliged to see him in--ah--ah--dear me,
what is the word I want? Clan--clan--sounds Scottish, doesn't
it?--oh, yes, clandestine! It is too bad you are obliged to see him
clandestinely, but I suppose your father's attitude makes anything else
impossible. I am very sorry that my claiming to be the evil influence
has had so little effect. That was a mistake, I fear."
"Don't say that, Mr. Bangs. You saved us all from a dreadful scene, and
father himself from--I hate to think what. Don't ever say that it was a
mistake, please. But I do so hate all this hiding and pretending. Some
day it will have to end, but how I don't know. Nelson comes first,
of course; but how can I leave father? I shall see him--Nelson, I
mean--to-night, Mr. Bangs. He has written me saying he is coming over,
and I am going to meet him. He says he has good news. I can't think what
it can be. I can't think of any good news that could come for him and
me, except that father has stopped believing in Marietta Hoag's
spirits and has gotten over his ridiculous prejudice; and that WON'T
come--ever.
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