“Oh, well,” he managed to say. “It's nothing. I've done my talking and had an answer, for once.”
“Yes, Rawdy, you've had an answer, for once. Usually you don't get an answer, you know—and that's why you go so far—in the things you say. Now you'll know how you make people feel.”
“Quite!” said Lilly.
“I don't feel anything. I don't mind what he says,” said Jim.
“Yes, but he ought to know the things he DOES say,” said Tanny. “He goes on, without considering the person he's talking to. This time it's come back on him. He mustn't say such personal things, if he's not going to risk an answer.”
“I don't mind what he says. I don't mind a bit,” said Jim.
“Nor do I mind,” said Lilly indifferently. “I say what I feel—You do as you feel—There's an end of it.”
A sheepish sort of silence followed this speech. It was broken by a sudden laugh from Tanny.
“The things that happen to us!” she said, laughing rather shrilly. “Suddenly, like a thunderbolt, we're all struck into silence!”
“Rum game, eh!” said Jim, grinning.