But
perhaps they had not been like Owen Ford; and the
vivid, LIVING Leslie of this summer was not the cold,
sullen girl of other years. Oh, SOMEBODY should have
thought of this! Why hadn't Miss Cornelia thought of
it? Miss Cornelia was always ready enough to sound the
alarm where men were concerned. Anne felt an
unreasonable resentment against Miss Cornelia. Then
she gave a little inward groan. No matter who was to
blame the mischief was done. And Leslie--what of
Leslie? It was for Leslie Anne felt most concerned.
"Does Leslie know this, Mr. Ford?" she asked quietly.
"No--no,--unless she has guessed it. You surely don't
think I'd be cad and scoundrel enough to tell her, Mrs.
Blythe. I couldn't help loving her--that's all--and my
misery is greater than I can bear."
"Does SHE care?" asked Anne. The moment the question
crossed her lips she felt that she should not have
asked it. Owen Ford answered it with overeager
protest.
"No--no, of course not. But I could make her care if
she were free--I know I could."
"She does care--and he knows it," thought Anne.
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