"Charles," she said, "If you and your numerous friends don't wish to come—you needn't. I can go alone."
"Don't talk nonsense, Sally! We can't have the party broken up in this absurd manner. It's idiotic for a mere woman to try and upset . . ."
"Steady, Gran'pa!" I whispered.
"Well, so it is," he growled.
Sally was pink with indignation.
"I won't be referred to as 'a mere woman'!" she snapped.
Seeing all the elements of a young lovers' quarrel in being, I withdrew and left Gran'pa and Sally to settle their differences alone.
Five minutes later Gran'pa strode past me with an air of grim determination. He was followed a few moments later by Sally, weeping.
"Don't cry!" I said, taking her arm and trying to soothe her. "Neither of you intend to be unkind to one another. . . ."
"I do!" she exclaimed. "Oh! I could . . . kill him! (Sniff—sniff). Just fancy! He said that . . ."