There was something behind all this in Jennie Arlington’s mind. She was drawn to Will Somers by an attraction whose nature it would have been difficult for her to define, but which was none the less strong for her ignorance of its origin.
She found herself questioning the source of this unusual feeling as she walked slowly on, and was puzzled at finding herself unable to account for it.
“Ain’t many gals like her in this village,” soliloquized Will. “A rich and proud one enough, I’ll bet, but she lets me talk to her straight from the shoulder. Dunno how it is but I’ve got a queer kind o’ hankering after her. ’Tain’t what they call fallin’ in love. That’s not my lay. But she’s got the upper holt on my fancy somehow, an’ I’ll swow if I know how-- Haloo! Wonder if that’s the partick’ler chap now? There’s some feller jist j’ined her. Bet I’ve seen him afore, too. Like to turn back and twig the cut of his jib, but it wouldn’t be on the square. Guess I’ll toddle on.”
The person who had joined the young lady was a gentleman of attractive appearance. He was of good build, and had an engaging face, the expression of his full gray eyes and well formed mouth being that of great frankness. He was dressed neatly, but with no effort at display.
Their greeting displayed much warmth, and an animated conversation ensued between them. A half-hour afterward found them enjoying ices in a neighboring restaurant, and still busily conversing.
“And when will you be out to see me, John?” she asked, with a look in her eyes as if her heart hung upon his answer.
“Not for a week or so,” he replied, in a rich baritone voice. “I am eager enough, but we are just now unduly busy in the store.”
“Can’t you come out on Sunday? The country is beautiful now.”
“I will do my best,” he replied. “When our wedding-day comes, Jennie,” he added, tenderly, “I will make a permanent engagement. Your word will be law.”
“Yes, that’s the way all the men talk,” she replied, gayly. “Those are splendid resolutions, but they won’t wear. I have been making a study of married men. How about the promise you made me for to-day?”
“There, if he has not gone and forgotten already!” She shook her head in affected surprise. “The forfeit you owe me. You were to pay it to-day. Don’t you know that is all I came in town for?”