What I say is that Helen cares about him, whether she says she does or not, whether she acts like it or not--or whether she thinks she does or not," he added irascibly.
"Do you know what she's doing for him to-day ?" "Not exactly." "Well, when they were talking together at that party, he said something that made her think he was anxious to get away from Plattville--you're not to repeat this, child; she told me, relying on my discretion." "Well ?" "Do you know why she's got these men to come here to-day to meet her--Warren Smith and Landis and Homer, and Boswell and young Keating of Amo, and Tom Martin and those two fellows from Gaines County ?" "Something about politics, isn't it ?" "'Something about politics!'" he echoed.

"I should say it is! Wait till it's done, and this evening I'll tell you--if you can keep a secret." Minnie set her work-basket on the steps.

"Oh, I guess I can keep a secret," she said.

"But it won't make any difference." "You mean you've said it, and you'll stick to it that it's gratitude till their wedding day." "She knows he gave her father something to do, and helped him in other ways, when no one else did." "I know all about that.

She reproaches herself for having neglected Fisbee while a stranger took care of him, and saved him from starving--and worse.