第77章

Ever since the day when Captain Jed had given me his warning I had been strengthening my resolution.The remark of Mrs.Colton's which I had overheard on the night of the fishing trip, although it revealed to me, as I believed, my real standing in the minds of my neighbors, whatever they might pretend when in my company, was, after all, only a minor detail.I knew that I must break off my acquaintance with this girl.By all that was sensible and sane it must be broken off.I must not, for my own sake, continue to meet her, to see her and speak with her.No; I would avoid her if Icould, but, at all events, I would break off the association, even if I were obliged to offend her, deliberately offend her, to accomplish my purpose.I swore it; and then I swore at myself for being so weak-minded as to need to swear.That I should be afraid of a girl, a mere girl, ten years younger than I, who, as the casual pastime of an idle summer, had chosen to pretend an interest in me! I was not afraid of her, of course; I was afraid of myself.

Not that I was in danger of falling in love with her--that idea was too ridiculous to be even funny.But she was becoming a disturbing influence in my life--that was it, a disturbing influence--and Imust not permit myself to be disturbed.

So now, as I saw the disturbing influence crossing the road in my direction, my first thought was to retreat to the bank.But it was too late to retreat; she had seen me, and she bowed pleasantly as she approached.

"Good afternoon," she said.

I bowed and admitted that the afternoon was a good one, conscious as I did so that Sim Eldredge had followed her to the door of his store and was regarding us with marked interest.

She exhibited the package."I am acting as my own errand boy, you see," she said, smiling."It was such a beautiful day that Irefused to send any one for this, or even to ride.I did not realize that a few yards of muslin would make such a bundle.Now Imust carry it, I suppose, in spite of appearances."I believed I saw an opportunity to escape.

"I am going directly home," I said."Let me carry it down for you.

I will send it over to your house by Lute.""Oh, no thank you.I could not think of troubling Mr.Rogers.But do you really want to carry it? You may, for a while.We will take turns.I am going directly home, too; and we will walk down together.Unless, of course, you are in a hurry."I think it was the expression of my face which led her to add the last sentence.If I had had time to think, to summon my resolution, it is possible--yes, it is possible that I should have declared myself to be in a hurry and gone on alone.But she had caught me unawares and resolution was wanting.I announced that I was in no hurry at all, and took the parcel.

We walked on together, she chatting easily, and I pretending to listen, although aware that our progress was watched by eager eyes and commented upon and exclaimed over by many tongues.The drawn shades of parlor windows moved significantly as we passed and, as we turned into the Lower Road, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Sim Eldredge and his clerk and Thoph Newcomb and Alvin Baker on the store platform, staring after us.As if this audience was not sufficient, and to make the affair complete, we met Captain Dean strutting importantly on his way to the post-office.He bowed and said "Afternoon," but the look he gave me was significant.There was surprise in it, and distrust.I knew I should have to do more explaining at our next meeting.And I knew, too, or could guess, what was being said that very moment at the store, and of the surmising and theorizing and strengthening of suspicions which would go on at a dozen supper tables that evening.

My companion, however, appeared to be quite unconscious of all this.That I might be suspected and misjudged because she had chanced to prefer my company to a walk home alone did not, evidently, occur to her.There was no reason why it should, of course; she was not in the position where the opinion or suspicions of Denboro's inhabitants need concern her in the least.But I, angry at Captain Jed for his look and with Sim Eldredge and his companions for their impudent stares and the trouble I knew their gossipy tongues would make for me, was gloomy and resentful.

She did most of the talking and I walked beside her, putting in a word occasionally and doing my best to appear as unconcerned as she really was.We crossed Elnathan Mullet's bridge and continued down the Shore Lane.Suddenly I was aware that she had not spoken for some minutes.

"Eh? Yes, Miss Colton; what is it?" I stammered.Then I realized that we were standing beside the granite posts marking the entrance to the Colton grounds.I had been so wrapped in my unpleasant thoughts and forebodings that we had reached our journey's end without my noticing it.

"Well!" I exclaimed, and then added the brilliant observation, "We are here, aren't we.""We are," she said, dryly."Didn't you know it?""Why, I had not realized.The walk has seemed so short.""Yes, I'm sure it must.I think you have spoken exactly six words in the last five minutes.Will you come in?""Oh no; no, thank you."

"Why not? Father is in and will be glad to see you.""I--I must be getting on toward home.Supper will be ready."She bit her lip."Far be it from me to criticize your domestic arrangements, Mr.Paine," she said, "but it does seem to me that your housekeeper serves meals at odd hours.It is only a few minutes after four, by my watch."She had me at a disadvantage.I imagined I must have appeared embarrassed.I know I felt that way.

"I did not realize...I thought it much later," I stammered.

"Then you will come in? Father will like to discuss the fishing with you, I know.He has talked of little but his wonderful weakfish ever since he caught it.""No, thank you, Miss Colton.Really, I must not stop."She took the parcel from my hands.

"Very well," she said, indifferently; "as you please.I thank you for your kindness in walking down with me.Good afternoon, Mr.

Paine."