CHAPTER XXV. A CHANGE OF FRONT
This episode had occurred about a fortnight before Ezra's return from Africa, and was duly retailed to him by his father.
"You need not be discouraged by that," he said. "I can always keep them apart, and if he is absent and you are present—especially as she has no idea of the cause of his absence—she will end by feeling slighted and preferring you."
"I cannot understand how you ever came to let the matter go so far," his son answered sullenly. "What does the young puppy want to come poaching upon our preserves for? The girl belongs to us. She was given to you to look after, and a nice job you seem to have made of it!"
"Never mind, my boy," replied the merchant. "I'll answer for keeping them apart if you will only push the matter on your own account."
