And now go up to the house and tell Ruth. She may not
know we are all right and will be worrying."
Jack's heart gave a bound. No more delightful duty could devolve
on him.
"What shall I tell her about the damage if she asks me, sir?" he
demanded, hiding his pleasure in a perfunctory, businesslike tone,
"and she will."
"Tell her it means all summer here for me and no new bonnets for
her until next winter," replied MacFarlane with a grim smile.
"Yes, I suppose, but I referred to the money loss," Jack laughed
in reply. "There is no use worrying her if we are not to blame for
this." He didn't intend to worry her. He was only feeling about
for some topic which would prolong his visit and encourage
conversation.
"If we are, it means some thousands of dollars on the wrong side
of the ledger," answered MacFarlane after a pause, a graver tone
in his voice. "But don't tell Ruth that. Just give her my message
about the bonnet--she will understand."
"But not if McGowan is liable," argued Jack. If Ruth was to hear
bad news it could at least be qualified.
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