I knew what you were afraid of their saying: that you are altogether too companionable with Father and me; that you intend selling the land to us, after all.

That is what you thought they would say and you were afraid--AFRAID of their gossip.

Oh, it is humiliating! And, for a time, I really thought you were different from the rest and above such things." I began to feel as if I were once more a small boy receiving a lecture from the governess.
"I am not at all afraid of them, Miss Colton," I protested.
"You are.

Why?
Your conscience is clear, isn't it?
You don't intend selling out to my father ?" "Certainly not." "Then why should you care what people like that may think?
Oh, you weary me! I admired you for your independence.

There are few persons with the courage to face my father as you have done and I admired you for it.