“I am not disposed to recall it,” said he, sternly.
“So much the better; at least it will save us a world of very unpleasant recrimination, for I refuse to comply.”
“You refuse! Now let me understand you, for this is too vital a point for me at least to make any mistake about—what is it that you refuse?”
“Don’t you think the tone of our present discussion is the best possible reason for not prolonging it?”
“No! If we have each of us; lost temper, I think the wisest course would be to recover ourselves, and see if we cannot talk the matter over in a better spirit.”
“Begin then by unsaying that odious word.”
“What is the word?”
“Insist! You must not insist upon anything.”
“I’ll take back the word if you so earnestly desire it, Florence,” said he gravely; “but I hope request will be read in its place.”
“Now, then, what is it you request? for I frankly declare that all this time I don’t rightly understand what you ask of me.”