“Would you? Well, I'll tell you—when I tell the bellman.”
“You are quite right, Mr. Little. Trust none but your friends.”
This was a bitter remark. Henry could not reply to it, and that moved his bile. Patty pursued her advantage, and let him know that, when a young man brought a young woman out for the day, he did not leave her for three hours at a stretch, unless he meant to affront her. She raised her voice in saying this, and so did he in replying, “Tell you I came out on my own business, not Jael's; but I am a good-natured fellow, considering all I endure, so I took that opportunity to bring your sister out to see you. Could I guess you two couldn't make yourselves happy for one afternoon without flirting? So much for sisterly affection! Well, next time I'll come alone—if I come at all.”
Jael came out at the raised voices, and received this last sentence full in the face. She turned pale.
“Oh, Patty, Patty, what have you been saying?”
“I've been speaking my mind, that is all.”
“Ay, and you've made him say the only unkind word I ever heard from his lips.”
“I'm very sorry, Jael,” said the young man, penitently.
“Oh, then I'm to blame, because he is so ill-tempered.” And Patty bridled.
“Partly. You should not interfere between friends.” Having delivered this admonition, Jael softened it by kissing her, and whispered, “Father's asking for his tea.”