Before long the groups began to disappear from the porch and stroll along the winding driveway in twos and fours towards the club house. Mr. Remington and Miss Phillips chaperoned the dancers, while Mr. and Mrs. Andrews remained at home with Marjorie and Frieda, and three or four of the boys. Ruth and Harold were the last to leave.
“Ruth, may I stay and play the tennis match with you?” he asked as soon as they were out of hearing distance from the porch.
“Don’t you think, Harold, that it’s imposing on the Andrews to stay so long?” Ruth returned, a little sharply. “That would keep you here till Saturday, you know!”
Harold wrinkled his forehead. What did Ruth mean by suddenly becoming so solicitous about her hostess’s wishes?
“But I was invited!”
“Well, for my part, I wouldn’t want to be under such obligations to total strangers. But, of course, if you don’t mind——”
“Ruth!” He took her arm in an effort to make her walk more slowly. “You don’t want me to stay!”
“Don’t hold my arm, Harold,” she said, pulling it away. “It’s so conspicuous.”
“It isn’t fair, Ruth, that you should treat me so coolly. Just look what I’ve done for you—bribed, and lied, and——”
“That’s it! Tell me how much it has cost you!” snapped the girl. “Rub it in, all you like!”