"
"I hope nothing will happen to mother, Mr. Quigg," said Jennie, in
an anxious tone, as she sank into a chair.
Quigg misunderstood the movement, and moved his own closer.
"There won't nothin' happen any more, Jennie, if you'll do as I
say."
It was the first time he had ever called her by her name. She
could not understand how he dared. She wished Carl would come in.
"Will you do it?" asked Quigg eagerly, his cunning face and mean
eyes turned toward her.
Jennie never raised her head. Her cheeks were burning. Quigg
went on,--
"I've been keepin' company with ye, Jennie, all winter, and the
fellers is guyin' me about it. You know I'm solid with the Union
and can help yer mother, and if ye'll let me speak to Father
McCluskey next Sunday"--
The girl sprang from her chair.
"I won't have you talk that way to me, Dennis Quigg! I never said
a word to you, and you know it." Her mother's spirit was now
flashing in her eyes. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself to
come here--and"--
Then she broke down.
Another woman would have managed it differently, perhaps,--by a
laugh, a smile of contempt, or a frigid refusal. This mere child,
stung to the quick by Quigg's insult, had only her tears in
defense. The Walking Delegate turned his head and looked out of
the window.
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