“Since you choose to tell me nothing, I accept your decision. But once more I ask you, for the last time, do you wish me to invite Van Reypen up here?”
A moment Patty thought. Then she said, “No, thank you, Billee, I don’t.”
Farnsworth’s brow cleared, and with a sunny smile down at her, he said: “Then the incident is closed. Forget it.”
“All right,” and Patty smiled back, well pleased that she had decided as she did.
“You little goose!” said he, “I know perfectly well that you called up Van Reypen on the telephone last night.”
“I did not!” declared Patty, indignantly.
“Now, Apple Blossom, don’t tell naughty stories. I say, I know you did.”
“All right, Mr. Farnsworth, if you doubt my word, there’s nothing more to be said.”
Patty was thoroughly angry, and when she was angry she looked about as fierce as a wrathy kitten. But, also, when Patty was angry, a few foolish tears would crowd themselves into her eyes, and this only served to make her madder yet. She turned from him, wanting to leave him and join some of the others, but she couldn’t, with those silly drops trembling on her eyelashes.
“Look up, Apple Blossom,” said a gentle voice in her ear. Farnsworth’s voice was one of his chief charms, and when he modulated it to a caressing tone, it would cajole the birds off the trees.