I never was that kind, so I just don't make the attempt." He was talking to give her leeway, and when he had concocted a weak toddy, insisted that she must drink it, which she did listlessly, while he rambled on.
"I've noticed a few things in my life, Miss Necia, and one of them is that it often does a heap of good to let out and talk things over; not that a fellow gains any real advantage from disseminating his troubles, but it serves to sort of ease his mind.

Folks don't often come to me for advice or sympathy.

I don't have it to give, but maybe it will help you to tell me what caused this night-marauding expedition of yours." Seeing that she hesitated, he went on: "I suppose there's a lot of reasons why you shouldn't confide in me--I don't like that old man of yours, nor any of your friends; but maybe that's why I'm interested.

If any of them has upset you, I'll take particular pleasure in helping you get even." "I don't want to get even, and there is nothing to tell," said Necia, "except a girl's troubles, and I can't talk about them." She smiled a painful, crooked smile at him.
"Your old man has been rough to you ?" "No, no! Nothing of that sort." "Then it's that soldier ?" he quizzed, shrewdly.

"I knew you cared a heap for him.