"
"But I can't let her alone. I see the force of your claims, but human
nature is so perverse, Pierre, that I want her worse than ever."
Pierre dug with his heel in the grass. His determined countenance
delighted the rival.
"Monsieur, if you do get her, you have our whole family to beat."
"Yes, I see what odds there are against me," owned Rice.
"We are going to marry her if we can--and my father is willing. He is
nearly always willing to please us."
"This is fair and open," pronounced Rice, "and the way for gentlemen to
treat each other. You have done the right thing in coming to talk this
matter over with me."
"I'm not sure of that, m'sieur."
"I am, for there is nothing better than fair and open rivalry. And after
all, nobody can settle this but Mademoiselle Saucier herself. She may
not be willing to take any of us. But, whatever the result, shake hands,
Pierre."
The boy transferred his riding-whip, and met the lawyer's palm with a
hearty grasp. They shook hands, laughing, and Pierre felt surprised to
find how well he liked Rice Jones.
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