But perhaps they had not been like Owen Ford ; and the vivid , LIVING Leslie of this summer was not the cold , sullen girl of other years . Oh , SOMEBODY should have thought of this ! Why had n't Miss Cornelia thought of it ? Miss Cornelia was always ready enough to sound the alarm where men were concerned . Anne felt an unreasonable resentment against Miss Cornelia . Then she gave a little inward groan . No matter who was to blame the mischief was done . And Leslie -- what of Leslie ? It was for Leslie Anne felt most concerned . `` Does Leslie know this , Mr. Ford ? '' she asked quietly . `` No -- no , -- unless she has guessed it . You surely do n't think I 'd be cad and scoundrel enough to tell her , Mrs. Blythe . I could n't help loving her -- that 's all -- and my misery is greater than I can bear . '' `` Does SHE care ? '' asked Anne . The moment the question crossed her lips she felt that she should not have asked it . Owen Ford answered it with overeager protest . `` No -- no , of course not . But I could make her care if she were free -- I know I could . ''
`` She does care -- and he knows it , '' thought XXXXX .
Anne Blythe Cornelia Ford Leslie cad course groan scoundrel years