Page:Coo-ee - tales of Australian life by Australian ladies.djvu/160

156 'Danger? What do you mean,' he demanded sternly, quite ignoring the man with the lip, who was quite wide-awake, and taking us in at his leisure.

'I am perfectly convinced of the purity and honesty of your intentions,' I continued boldly enough, but I quaked inwardly, the boy was so wofully in earnest, 'but I am not by any means so assured of Miss Ariell. I fear she may lead you to do things you will regret later.'

'Ah, Mrs. Vallings,' he said sorrowfully, 'how is it the very best and noblest of your sex can so misunderstand their peers—their peers?' he repeated emphatically. 'Miss Ariell is as good a girl as ever drew breath. God bless her!'

I felt choky. I could have kissed the boy that minute; and then he turned ridiculous all at once.

'And even if there were danger, as you say, even if your hints had a germ of truth in them, and there were danger for me,' he raised his voice and stiffened himself, 'Mrs. Vallings, put my knowledge of the world aside, and even my common sense, do you think I have no religion?'

He raised himself proudly on his seat, crossed his hands on his knees, and glared at me.

We were just steaming into our station, where our assembled families and friends were standing in close converse, waiting to receive us. As I was collecting my packages, Miss Ariell came up to look for hers. She looked as artless as ever, and gave a start of surprise at sight of me.