Sorry if the blast bothered you."
"Chase, I reckon that's the first of your blasts I was ever glad
to hear," replied Belding, in a way that made Chase look blank.
"So? Well, I'm glad you're glad," he went on, evidently puzzled.
"I was a little worried--you've always been so touchy--we never
could get together. I hurried over, fearing maybe you might think
the blast--you see, Belding--"
"I see this, Mr. Ben Chase," interrupted Belding, in curt and
ringing voice. "That blast was a mistake, the biggest you ever
made in your life."
"What do you mean?" demanded Chase.
"You'll have to excuse me for a while, unless you're dead set on
having it out right now. Mr. Gale and his family are leaving, and
my daughter is going with them. I'd rather you'd wait a little."
"Nell going away!" exclaimed Radford Chase. He reminded Belding
of an overgrown boy in disappointment.
"Yes. But--Miss Burton to you, young man--"
"Mr. Belding, I certainly would prefer a conference with you right
now," interposed the elder Chase, cutting short Belding's strange
speech. "There are other matters--important matters to discuss.
They've got to be settled. May we step in, sir?"
"No, you may not," replied Belding, bluntly. "I'm sure particular
who I invite into my house. But I'll go with you."
Belding stepped out and closed the door. "Come away from the house
so the women won't hear the--the talk."
The elder Chase was purple with rage, yet seemed to be controlling
it.
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