But he was sure that it wasn't anger or
disapproval. Neither was it scorn. It seemed to him that it might
have been mockery, mingled with satisfaction. Certainly there was
mockery in her voice when she answered him.
"Indeed!" she said. "I presume I am to take that as a compliment?"
"But you will be a fool if you cotton up to Neal Taggart," he
continued, paying no attention to her question. "I know men.
Taggart's a no good fourflusher, an' no woman can be anything if she
takes up with him."
She looked at him with a dazzling smile. In the smile were those
qualities that he had noticed during his other conversations with her
when he had accused her of meeting Taggart secretly--mirth, tempered
with doubt. Also, just now there was enjoyment.
"I feel flattered to think that you are taking that much interest in
me," she said. "But when I am in need of someone to lay down rules of
conduct for me I shall let you know. At present I feel quite competent
to take care of myself. But if you are very much worried, I don't mind
telling you that I have not 'cottoned up' to Neal Taggart."
"What you meetin' him for, then?" he asked suspiciously.
"I have not met Neal Taggart since the day you made him apologize to
me," she said slowly.
"Who are you meetin', then?" he demanded.
She looked straight at him.
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