“Yes, you have, too. You and Mona are good friends, or have been, and there’s no reason why you should act as you do.”
“There’s a very good reason; and he has most objectionable manners,” declared Roger, looking sulky.
“I don’t like his manners, either; but I tell you honestly, Roger, you’re going about it the wrong way. I know Mona awfully well,—better than you do. And she’s proud-spirited, and even a little contrary, and if you act as you do toward her, you simply throw her into the arms of that objectionable-mannered man!”
“Good Heavens, Patty, what a speech!”
“Well, of course, I don’t mean literally, but if you won’t speak to her at all, on account of Mr. Lansing, why of course she’s going to feel just piqued enough to smile on him all the more. Can’t you understand that?”
“Let her!” growled Roger.
“No, we won’t let her,—any such thing! I don’t like that man a bit better than you do, but do you suppose I’m going to show it by being unkind and mean to Mona? That’s not tactful.”
“I don’t want to be tactful. I want him to let her alone.”
“Well, you can’t make him do that, unless you shoot him; and that means a lot of bother all round.”
“It might be worth the bother.”