"What about this young Joel Creech ?" Lucy started as if suddenly recalled, then she laughed merrily.

"Dad, you old fox, did you see him ride out after me ?" "No.

I was just askin' on--on general principles." "What do you mean ?" "Lucy, is there anythin' between you an' Joel ?" he asked, gravely.
"No," she replied, with her clear eyes up to his.
Bostil thought of a bluebell.

"I'm beggin' your pardon," he said, hastily.
"Dad, you know how Joel runs after me.

I've told you.