Nielsen studied her with frank admiration. Her nature was that of a lioness. She looked capable of pushing over or slipping from under any circumstance. She did not even require one’s sympathy. And still?—But he resisted the temptation. For her sake, it would be better not to continue.
“I must be goin’,” she said suddenly.
“Oh no, not yet!” he begged.
“Yes, I must be goin’,” she insisted and got up. “I got shoppin’ to do.”
“Haven’t you finished decorating?” he inquired, and got up against his will.
“No,” she returned and smiled.
Nielsen helped her with her coat. He was tempted to put his arms about her, but resisted. It would make her departure more difficult. She turned around. “Is my hat on straight?”
“Oh yes,” he assured her and added, by way of controlling himself: “Vanitas vanitatum!”
“What’s that?”
“More triviality!” he declared.