I was presuming on our chance
acquaintance, or that she made a mistake in admitting even a casual
interest; I might consider that interest to be real, instead of merely
perfunctory. At any rate, I noticed a difference in her tone. It was as
if she had suddenly withdrawn behind the fence which marked the border
of our social line.

"Oh," she said, carelessly, "I did not cross-question, of course.
Puzzles are always interesting, more or less. And a puzzle which
perplexed my father was certainly unique. So I was a trifle curious,
that's all."

I came to earth with a thud.

"I see," I said, curtly. "Well, I presume I should thank my friends for
the testimonials to my character. And I promise you that you shall not
be annoyed again. Good morning, Miss Colton."

I was turning away when she spoke my name.

"Mr. Paine," she said.

"Yes, Miss Colton."

"I have not explained why I was here, on your land, this morning."

"That is all right. You are quite welcome to be here at any time."

"Thank you. I told you I was walking by the bluff; that is true, but it
isn't the whole truth. I was trying to muster courage to call on your
mother."

I looked at her in amazement.

"Call on Mother!" I repeated.

"Yes, I have heard a great deal about your mother, and nothing except
the very best. I think I should like to know her. Do you think she would
consider me presuming and intrusive if I did call?"

"Why, Miss Colton, I--"

"Please be frank about it, Mr. Paine. And please believe that my call
would not be from idle curiosity. I should like to know her. Of course,
if this disagreement about the land makes a difference, if she feels
resentful toward us, I will not think of such a thing. Does she? Why do
you smile? I am in earnest."

"I did not mean to smile, Miss Colton. The idea of Mother's feeling
resentment toward any one seemed absurd to me, that was all."

"Then may I call on her?"

"Certainly. That is, if--if you think it wise. If your mother--"

"Oh, Mother has long ago given up trying to solve me. I am a greater
puzzle to her than you seem to be to everyone, Mr. Paine. I have spoken
to my father about it and he is quite willing. His difference with you
is purely a business one, as you know."

Some of the "business" had been oddly conducted, but I did not raise
the point. I could not reason just then. That this spoiled, city-bred
daughter of "Big Jim" Colton should wish to know my mother was beyond
reasoning.