"But if I was you I'd hold out and
never let him marry my mother."
"Oh, I will never consent to that -- never! But he may marry her
anyway."
"If he does, you can apply to the courts for another guardian --
if Crabtree doesn't treat you fairly."
"But I do not wish to separate from my mother."
"Well, the only thing to do is to keep fighting him off. In the
meantime I'll try to get some folks who know Crabtree well to tell
your mother just what a mean, crabbed fellow he is. Undoubtedly
he is after the money your father left."
"So I always supposed -- but mother does not think so."
"How is your mother?"
"She is doing nicely, and may be out in a week or two. I am
keeping her in as long as possible, so that Josiah Crabtree cannot
argue her into going off and getting married."
"You certainly have your hands full, Dora," answered the young
cadet. "I wish I could take this burden off your shoulders,
indeed I do!" and impulsively he caught up her plump, hand and
kissed it.
"Oh!" She snatched the hand away and blued prettily, but was not
angry. "I -- I --; it's something to know one has a friend,
Dick," she said softly. "Can I come to you if I -- that is if I
want something done?"
"To be sure, Dora -- I'll do anything in the wide world for you
there!" and he kissed her hand again.
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