"Yes—only—"
"Only what?"
"I thought perhaps you would—just for once."
"I can't, Merryl. I want to get this translation done before lunch."
"Couldn't you do it—after lunch?"
"No, I can't!" sharply. "I must bicycle over then to see if Patricia is back."
Merryl did not give up yet. "It's such a long way—and so hot!" she murmured.
"I don't see that it's any farther or hotter for you than for me!"
"No," rather faintly. "Only—if you could—only just this once."
"I've told you—I can't! That's enough."