It was given with spirit and the girl's head was uplifted and her eyes flashed as she spoke.

Ellery's next remark was uttered without premeditation.

Really, he was thinking aloud.
"So you went away to school ?" he mused.

"That is why--" "That is why I don't say 'never done nothin'' and 'be you' and 'hain't neither.' Yes, thank you, that's why.

I don't wonder you were surprised." The young man blushed.
"You misunderstand me," he protested.