Bates had been a common farm-boy before he studied law, and the handles
of ploughs, axes, and grubbing-hoes had enlarged the joints of his
fingers and hardened his palms. He had studied at night, earned a
reputation as an off-hand speaker hard to be downed in debating
societies, made a few speeches on the stump for willing gubernatorial
candidates, and was now looked upon as a possible Democratic nominee
for the Legislature. Most young lawyers in that part of the State were
called "Colonel," and Bates had been addressed by the title once or
twice.
Westerfelt pretended not to see him as he passed, but he urged Jake to
hurry up and get out his horse and buggy. He had a strange idea that
it would humiliate him in Harriet's eyes to be seen by her as she
passed with a man he now regarded as a rival. He would have given much
to have had any sort of companion with him. Jake had some difficulty
in backing the horse into the shafts, and before Westerfelt could get
started, he saw Harriet come out on the veranda and follow Bates to his
buggy. However, Westerfelt managed to get started before they did, and
drove on without looking back.
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