"
"One moment. Have you quarrelled about Polly Baxter?"
"Yes," he answered querulously. "Of course I have. What does he
mean by interfering?
"Now listen to me, Mr. Bassett," I interrupted. "I have no desire
to concern myself in your association with Captain Jim, but since
you persist in dragging me into it, you must allow me to speak
plainly. From all that I can ascertain you have no serious
intentions of marrying Polly Baxter. You have come here from
Gilead to follow Mrs. Sweeny, whom I saw you with a moment ago.
Now, why do you not frankly give up Miss Baxter to Captain Jim, who
will make her a good husband, and go your own way with Mrs. Sweeny?
If you really wish to break off your connection with Captain Jim,
that's the only way to do it."
His face, which had exhibited the weakest and most pitiable
consciousness at the mention of Mrs. Sweeny, changed to an
expression of absolute stupefaction as I concluded.
"Wot stuff are you tryin' to fool me with?" he said at last
roughly.
"I mean," I replied sharply, "that this double game of yours is
disgraceful. Your association with Mrs. Sweeny demands the
withdrawal of any claim you have upon Miss Baxter at once. If you
have no respect for Captain Jim's friendship, you must at least
show common decency to her."
He burst into a half-relieved, half-hysteric laugh. "Are you
crazy?" gasped he. "Why, Captain Jim's just huntin' ME down to
make ME marry Polly.
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