She had come with Jack and his sister
to inquire regarding the fitness of her champion and to nerve him
for the contest, and she stood aghast. Chapin stepped forward
with a look of suspicion, inquiring:
"What's going on here?"
Miss Blake spoke brightly, tinkling ice in her voice.
"There's no necessity for an explanation, is there? It seems time
for congratulations."
"Oh, see here now! Mrs. Keap's really engaged to Culver, you
know."
"Culver!"
"Culver!"
Both the young ranchman and his sister stared at the chaperon
with growing horror, while she undertook to explain; but the blow
had fallen so swiftly that her words were incoherent, and in the
midst of them her hostess turned and fled from the room.
"Now don't begin to aviate until you understand the truth," Speed
continued. "While she's engaged to that broken-toed serpent, she
doesn't love him, do you see?" He smiled.
"I do _not_ see!"
"It was simply a habit Mrs. Keap had got into--I should say it
was an impulsive engagement that she has repented of."
"No doubt she was repenting when we interrupted you," said Miss
Blake, bitterly.
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