That--that hurt. Maybe--maybe it's true. Sometimes
it seems terribly true. Since then, of course, I have stayed in the
house to avoid being hurt again.
"But, Dad, a little thing like a girl sticking close to her mother
and room doesn't stop Mr. Chase. I think he's crazy. Anyway,
he's a most persistent fool. I want to be charitable, because
the man swears he loves me, and maybe he does, but he is making
me nervous. I don't sleep. I'm afraid to be in my room at night.
I've gone to mother's room. He's always hanging round. Bold!
Why, that isn't the thing to call Mr. Chase. He's absolutely
without a sense of decency. He bribes our servants. He comes
into our patio. Think of that! He makes the most ridiculous
excuses. He bothers mother to death. I feel like a poor little
rabbit holed by a hound. And I daren't peep out."
Somehow the thing struck Belding as funny, and he laughed. He
had not had a laugh for so long that it made him feel good. He
stopped only at sight of Nell's surprise and pain. Then he put
his arms round her.
"Never mind, dear. I'm an old bear. But it tickled me, I guess.
I sure hope Mr. Radford Chase has got it bad...Nell, it's only the
old story. The fellows fall in love with you. It's your good
looks, Nell. What a price women like you and Mercedes have
to pay for beauty! I'd a d-- a good deal rather be ugly as a
mud fence."
"So would I, Dad, if--if Dick would still love me."
"He wouldn't, you can gamble on that, as Laddy says.
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