"Oh, I don't know.

I can't promise that.
Don't--don't hustle me, Jack!" He gave her a hard squeeze and let her go.

"There, she shan't be teased by her horrid bully of a brother! She's going to play the game off her own bat, and I wish her luck with all my heart." He turned to the job of feeding his horse, and Dot, after a few inconsequent remarks, sauntered away in the direction of the barn, "to be alone with herself," as she put it..