`` What do you think of us ? I suppose they 've told you tales of us up there ? '' -- with a scornful gesture of her hand in the direction of Rexton . `` Do you believe them ? '' `` I believe no ill of anyone until I have absolute proof of it , '' said Alan , smiling -- he was quite unconscious what a winning smile he had , which was the best of it -- `` and I never put faith in gossip . Of course you are gossipped about -- you know that . '' `` Yes , I know it '' -- grimly -- `` and I do n't care what they say about the Captain and me . We are a queer pair -- just as queer as they make us out . You can believe what you like about us , but do n't you believe a word they say against Lynde . She 's sweet and good and beautiful . It 's not her fault that she never went to church -- it 's her father 's . Do n't you hold that against her . '' The fierce yet repressed energy of her tone prevented Alan from feeling any amusement over her simple defence of Lynde . Moreover , it sounded unreasonably sweet in his ears . `` I wo n't , '' he promised , `` but I do n't suppose it would matter much to Miss Oliver if I did . She did not strike me as a young lady who would worry very much about other people 's opinions . '' If his object were to prolong the conversation about Lynde , he was disappointed , for the old woman had turned abruptly to her work again and , though Alan lingered for a few moments longer , she took no further notice of him . But when he had gone she peered stealthily after him from the door until he was lost to sight among the pines . `` A well-looking man , '' she muttered . `` I wish Lynde had been home .
I did n't dare ask him to the house for I knew Anthony was in one XXXXX his moods .
If about after for from in of that to with