"Grey, Zane - Betty Zane" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grey Zane)

already, in one day, had more excitement than had ever befallen him, an. was
beginning to believe his thirst for a free life of stirring action would be
quenched long before he had learned to become useful in his new sphere. During
the remaining half hour of his call on his lately acquired friends, he took
little part in the conversation, but sat quietly watching the changeful
expressions on Betty's face, and listening to Colonel Zane's jokes. When he
rose to go he bade his host good-night, and expressed a wish that Isaac, who
had fallen asleep, might have a speedy recovery. He turned toward the door to
find that Betty had intercepted him.

"Mr. Clarke," she said, extending a little hand that trembled slightly. "I
wish to say--that--I want to say that my feelings have changed. I am sorry for
what I said over at Lydia's. I spoke hastily and rudely. You have saved my
brother's life. I will be forever grateful to you. It is useless to try to
thank you. I--I hope we may be friends."

Alfred found it desperately hard to resist that low voice, and those dark eyes
which were raised shyly, yet bravely, to his. But he had been deeply hurt. He
pretended not to see the friendly hand held out to him, and his voice was cold
when he answered her.

"I am glad to have been of some service," he said, "but I think you overrate
my action. Your brother would not have drowned, I am sure. You owe me nothing.
Good-night."

Betty stood still one moment staring at the door through which he had gone
before she realized that her overtures of friendship had been politely, but
coldly, ignored. She had actually been snubbed. The impossible had happened to
Elizabeth Zane. Her first sensation after she recovered from her momentary
bewilderment was one of amusement, and she laughed in a constrained manner;
but, presently, two bright red spots appeared in her cheeks, and she looked
quickly around to see if any of the others had noticed the incident. None of
them had been paying any attention to her and she breathed a sigh of relief.
It was bad enough to be snubbed without having others see it. That would have
been too humiliating. Her eyes flashed fire as she remembered the disdain in
Clarke's face, and that she had not been clever enough to see it in time.

"Tige, come here!" called Colonel Zane. "What ails the dog?"

The dog had jumped to his feet and ran to the door, where he sniffed at the
crack over the threshold. His aspect was fierce and threatening. He uttered
low growls and then two short barks. Those in the room heard a soft moccasined
footfall outside. The next instant the door opened wide and a tall figure
stood disclosed.

"Wetzel!" exclaimed Colonel Zane. A hush fell on the little company after that
exclamation, and all eyes were fastened on the new comer.

Well did the stranger merit close attention. He stalked into the room, leaned
his long rifle against the mantelpiece and spread out his hands to the fire.