Page:Honore Willsie--Judith of the godless valley.djvu/261

 "Down to the post-office. I saw Dad heading for Charleton's."

"Yes, I'm alone. Mother went over to Grandma's. The old lady is ailing."

Douglas jumped from the saddle. "You haven't mentioned it, but, thanks, I will come in. Is there any grub in the house? I haven't had dinner yet."

Judith laughed. "I was expecting that! I just finished my own. Come along!"

Douglas ate his dinner while Judith watched with speculative eyes.

"Peter is a funny old duck," she said finally.

"Funny? How?"

"O, he's so lonely and so cross and such good company and so kind! I'd like to have known him when he was young."

Douglas looked at her closely. "Jude, could you get to care for Peter if you thought he cared for you?"

"Who, me? Peter? What's the matter with you, Doug? Why, Peter is as old as Dad!"

"What difference does that make?"

"It wouldn't make any difference if I cared for him," admitted Judith, tapping thoughtfully on the table-cloth with slim brown fingers.

"But do you care for him, Judith?" insisted Douglas.

Judith's fine lips twisted contemptuously. "What an idiot you are, Doug!"

"Do you, hang it? Answer me, Jude!"

"No! No! No! Does that satisfy you?"

"Well, partially. Guess I'll have to ask Inez the same question."

Judith smiled and shrugged her shoulders. Douglas went on.