But such
considerations never entered her mind, as she frankly, and with real
pleasure, accepted the escort of the poor factory boy.
Scarcely had she done so when Halbert Davis approached, smoothing his
kid gloves, and pulling at his necktie.
"Miss Hester," he said, consequentially, "I shall have great pleasure in
escorting you home."
"Thank you," said Hester, "but I am engaged."
"Engaged!" repeated Halbert, "and to whom?"
"Robert Rushton has kindly offered to take me home."
"Robert Rushton!" said Halbert, disdainfully. "Never mind. I will
relieve him of his duty."
"Thank you, Halbert," said Robert, who was standing by, "I won't trouble
you. I will see Miss Paine home."
"Your escort was accepted because you were the first to offer it," said
Halbert.
"Miss Hester," said Robert, "I will resign in favor of Halbert, if you
desire it."
"I don't desire it," said the young girl, promptly. "Come, Robert, I am
ready if you are."
With a careless nod to Halbert, she took Robert's arm, and left the
schoolhouse. Mortified and angry, Halbert looked after them, muttering,
"I'll teach the factory boy a lesson. He'll be sorry for his impudence
yet."
CHAPTER II.
PUNISHING A COWARD
Mrs. Rushton and her son occupied a little cottage, not far from the
factory. Behind it were a few square rods of garden, in which Robert
raised a few vegetables, working generally before or after his labor in
the factory.
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