That's the long and
short of it. Now, you take my advice and give him as good as he sends
every time, and a little more to boot. It's a woman's right."
"Mother, you don't know Mr. Westerfelt; he--"
"La! yes, I do; they are every one p'int-blank alike. They want what
they can't get, and what other men have, a sight more than what is in
easy reach. If you've got any gumption, you'll make him think you are
having a mighty good time with Bascom Bates to-day. If Bascom keeps
coming to see you it will make him think all the more of you, too.
Bates belongs to mighty nigh as good stock as he does anyway, and folks
say he is the sharpest trader and note-shaver in the county. Ef you
don't encourage him to come regular I shall do it for you. And if I
ever get a chance I'll throw out a hint to Westerfelt that you have a
little leaning towards the law anyway."
"I don't want you to do that, mother," objected Harriet, quite
seriously.
Mrs. Floyd laughed slyly as she turned away. "You leave them two Jakes
to me. I feel like I was a girl again. We used to have lots o' fun
with Mr.
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