I'm willing to own that I've been wrong about you, and that's a
good deal for a girl to do. I only wish I were a man, and I'd go
with you."
Her kindness restored him to his awkward self again, and he
stammered, "I wish you were--no, I don't--I merely stopped,
thinking you might have a message; but I'd rather not take any to
Zeke Watkins--will, though, if you wish. It cut me all up to have
you think I was afraid," and then he became speechless.
"But you acted as if you were afraid of me, and that seemed so
ridiculous."
He looked at her a moment so earnestly with his dark, deep-set
eyes that hers dropped. "Miss Susie," he said slowly, and speaking
with difficulty, "I AM afraid of you, next to God. I don't suppose
I've any right to talk to you so, and I will say good-by. I was
reckless when I spoke before. Perhaps--you'll go and see mother.
My going is hard on her."
His eyes lingered on her a moment longer, as if he were taking his
last look, then he turned slowly away.
"Good-by, Zeb," she called softly. "I didn't--I don't understand.
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