human
Nina? he said interrogatively, then going on with his shining with bent head.
gpt
Why—a—no, I—I thought I would go over to the Jameses—that is if I won’t be in the way. I—a—I thought I’d like to ask if they had heard anything about Herb.
human
Go over to the Jameses? Your first evening at home! Why, Lige!
gpt
Well, why not? We’ve been with the family all day, and I haven’t seen Beatrice, and——
human
But Nina—what will she think—how will she feel——
gpt
Good Lord!
human
What d’you mean—you don’t mean—you don’t think—that I—that Nina—that there is anything between _us_, do you?
gpt
Why I—I——
human
ejaculated Lige.
gpt
That—_that’s_ what’s been eatin’ you! I couldn’t understand it. I thought it was Beatrice——
human
panted Joe.
gpt
I thought you loved Nina—and that she loved you. I saw you kiss her——
human
Well, Lord A’mighty, why shouldn’t I kiss her? She’s my sister, isn’t she? I kiss Ruth and Mary and Sara; why shouldn’t I kiss her?
gpt
Yes, but that’s different. She _isn’t_ our sister, you know. I saw you together the night before we went away, and her arms were around your neck and she was——
human
And she was talking about _you_ every minute of the time, you big booby, begging me to take care of you and bring you home safe and all that! Oh, gosh, this does beat all! Why here was me trying to do the noble brother act and forget all about little Beatrice because I thought you cared for her, while all the time you were hating me like the old Harry because you thought I’d cut you out with Princess! Why, Lord love you, boy, what’s the matter with you? Are you blind as a bat? Can’t you _see_ how she feels toward you? Why, there never was any one else in the whole world for Nina but just you, ever since that first day when she refused to ride anywhere else in the wagons but beside you!
gpt
Is it—is it true, Lige?
human
Beatrice! As if I could ever think of Beatrice when Nina was around! Do you really think she cares, Lige? That she doesn’t care for me just as a brother——
gpt
Go along and ask her, you old gosling, cried Lige, busily adjusting a new tie.
human
As for me, I’m going over to the Jameses so fast you can’t see me for the dust. I’ve been afraid to even write to little Bee for fear I’d be making trouble for you, but now that I know what a goose you are——