"D'you mind?" Jeff's question came nervously.
Did he mind? It was a weak question. Coming from Jeff it sounded
foolish. Bud smiled, and his quiet sense of humor saved him from
himself.
"Why, if you feel that way I don't guess you need worry a thing, Jeff."
Then he added: "Guess Nan an' me'll get right along home. But it don't
need to cut no ice. I take it you're askin' me to fix things right at
the Obars till you get around. That so?"
Jeff nodded. He was feeling that he was doing something mean, even
brutal. He knew that what he contemplated must result in the bitterest
disappointment to his old friend. He had well enough known throughout
their partnership Bud's yearning desire that he should marry Nan.
Well, such a course was unthinkable now. Somehow it had never seemed
really possible. He was troubled, grievously troubled, but he was
determined now to act in the only honest way. He was determined that
Bud should know the truth--at all costs.
"I'd be thankful to you, Bud."
"You don't need to say a word.
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