But he's hard to discourage." "He hasn't insulted you ?" asked Dave quietly.
"Oh, dear, no! If he had, I think I might have been able to startle him somewhat," laughed Belle, who had a "temper" when it was necessary to have one.

As she spoke she raised her eyes, glancing ahead.
"There, he has stopped, and looks almost as though he were waiting for us," she added.
"There's an ugly scowl on his face, too." Dave Darrin looked ahead at the foppish, rather good-looking, tall and slender young man of some twenty-six years.
"I hope he isn't going to be troublesome," murmured Dave.

"I don't want to have to fight with him--at least, not when you're along with me." As they neared Ardmore, Dave continued to look at the young man quietly, steadily, frankly.

Ardmore seemed trying to ignore the gaze, and looked, instead, at Belle.
Just as the young couple reached him, Ardmore raised his hat, at the same time stepping forward so that he blocked Belle's progress.
"Good afternoon, Miss Meade," was Ardmore's greeting.

"I was on my way to your house when I saw you.