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

"Let us postpone such melancholy thoughts until some future day. I have not as
yet said anything that I intended I wish to tell you how sorry I am that I
acted in such a rude way the night your brother came home. I do not know what
made me do so, but I know I have regretted it ever since. Will you forgive me
and may we not be friends?"

"I--I do not know," said Betty, surprised and vaguely troubled by the earnest
light in his eyes.

"But why? Surely you will make some little allowance for a naturally quick
temper, and you know you did not--that you were--"

"Yes, I remember I was hasty and unkind. But I made amends, or at least, I
tried to do so."

"Try to overlook my stupidity. I will not give up until you forgive me.
Consider how much you can avoid by being generous."

"Very well, then, I will forgive you," said Betty, who had arrived at the
conclusion that this young man was one of determination.

"Thank you. I promise you shall never regret it. And the sprained ankle? It
must be well, as I noticed you danced beautifully."

"I am compelled to believe what the girls say--that you are inclined to the
language of compliment. My ankle is nearly well, thank you. It hurts a little
now and then."

"Speaking of your accident reminds me of the day it happened," said Alfred,
watching her closely. He desired to tease her a little, but he was not sure of
his ground. "I had been all day in the woods with nothing but my
thoughts--mostly unhappy ones--for company. When I met you I pretended to be
surprised. As a matter of fact I was not, for I had followed your dog. He took
a liking to me and I was extremely pleased, I assure you. Well, I saw your
face a moment before you knew I was as near you. When you heard my footsteps
you turned with a relieved and joyous cry. When you saw whom it was your glad
expression changed, and if I had been a hostile Wyandot you could not have
looked more unfriendly. Such a woeful, tear-stained face I never saw."

"Mr. Clarke, please do not speak any more of that," said Betty with dignity.
"I desire that you forget it."

"I will forget all except that it was I who had the happiness of finding you
and of helping you. I cannot forget that. I am sure we should never have been
friends but for that accident."

"There is Isaac. He is looking for me," answered Betty, rising.

"Wait a moment longer--please. He will find you," said Alfred, detaining her.
"Since you have been so kind I have grown bolder. May I come over to see you