But even men are not all alike," he continued, with something like a sneer, for when Hugh got upon his favorite hobby, "women and their weaknesses," he generally grew bitter and sarcastic.
"Now, there's the one of whom you are continually thinking.

I dare say you have contrasted him with me and thought how much more elegant he was in his appearance.

Isn't it so ?" and Hugh glanced at Adah, who, in a grieved tone, replied: "No, Mr.Worthington, I have not compared you with him--I have only thought how good you were." Hugh knew Adah was sincere, and said: "I told you I did not like women much, and I don't but I'm going to take care of you until that scoundrel turns up; then, if you say so, I'll surrender you to his care, or better yet, I'll shoot him and keep you to myself.

Not as a sweetheart, or anything of that kind," he hastened to add, as he saw the flush on Adah's cheek.

"Hugh Worthington has nothing to do with that species of the animal kingdom, but as my Sister Adah!" and as Hugh repeated that name, there arose in his great heart an indefinable wish that the gentle girl beside him had been his sister instead of the high-tempered Adaline, who never tried to conciliate or understand him, and whom, try as he might, Hugh could not love as brothers should love sisters.
He knew how impatiently she was waiting now to know the result of that interview, and just how much opposition he should meet when he announced his intention of keeping Adah.