During her sickness, it seems, many
of the boarders have been in to call upon her. In a similar way, she has
sent me several messages inviting me to call, but I have not been in
position to accept any of these invitations. It does not follow that,
because I gave some of my time in the past to assisting her with her
lessons, I can afford to give more of it now for purposes of--of mere
sociability. I make the situation clear to you?"
Sharlee, to whom Fifi had long since made the situation clear, puckered
her brow like one carefully rehearsing the several facts. "Yes, I
believe that is all perfectly clear, Mr. Queed."
He hesitated visibly; then his lips tightened and, gazing at her with a
touch of something like defiance, he said: "On the other hand, I do not
wish this girl to think that I bear her ill-will for the time I have
given her in the past. I--ahem--have therefore concluded to make her a
present, a small gift."
Sharlee stood looking at him without a reply.
"Well?" said he, annoyed. "I am not certain what form this small gift
had best take."
She turned away from him and walked to the end of the hall, where the
window was.
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