I am a greater puzzle to her than you seem to be to everyone, Mr.Paine.I have spoken to my father about it and he is quite willing.

His difference with you is purely a business one, as you know." Some of the "business" had been oddly conducted, but I did not raise the point.

I could not reason just then.

That this spoiled, city-bred daughter of "Big Jim" Colton should wish to know my mother was beyond reasoning.
She said good morning and we parted.

I walked home, racking my brains to find the answer to this new conundrum.