"I don't believe a word of it!" Dolly stood up and angrily grasped the
bell-handle. "It's not true. It's a meddlesome lie. They are jealous.
People are always like that--it makes them furious to see another
person prosper. They are mean, low back-biters."

"Oh, I don't say that Mostyn will actually be arrested before he gits
up here," John said, dryly. "From all reports he generally has the law
on his side, an'--"

But Dolly, still angry, was ringing the bell. She had turned her back
to Webb; and, unable to make himself heard, he made his way down the
aisle to the door.

"She's a regular spitfire when she gits 'er back up," he mused. "Now I
_know_ she likes 'im. It's been three years since she laid eyes on
'im, but she's as daffy now as she was then. It must 'a' been the
feller's gallant way. I remember he used to say she was the purtiest
an' brightest little trick he ever seed. Maybe he said somethin' o'
the sort to her, young as she was. I remember I used to think Sis was
a fool to let 'im walk about with Dolly so much, pickin' flowers an'
the like. Well, if he thought she was purty an' smart then he'll be
astonished now--he shore will."





CHAPTER IV