"Roger," said Mildred, "I've much to say to you, and it is of great importance that you should listen calmly and sensibly."
"All right," he answered laughingly. "You will find me as quiet and impressible as the oysters over which we'll have our talk, but only on this condition. You shall not fatigue yourself by a word here in the street." Nevertheless she felt the phlegmatic creature's arm trembling under her hand. After a moment he went on, in the same light way, "I want you to understand I am not going to be a friend in name merely; I intend to assert my rights, and you had better learn from the start that I am the most tremendously obstinate fellow in the city."
"But you must listen to reason."
"Certainly; so must you."
"To begin with," she resumed, "I've had my supper, and so don't need any more."
"I haven't had mine, and am ravenous. The idea of talking reason to a hungry man! I know of a nice quiet restaurant which, at this hour, we'll have almost to ourselves. You surely won't be so unsocial as to let me eat alone."
"Well, if I yield in trifles you must yield in matters that are vital. Why did you not get your supper before?"
"Too busy; and then, to be honest, I knew I'd enjoy it a hundredfold more with you. I'm a social animal."
Mildred sighed, for this good-comradeship was making her duty very hard.
They soon reached the place in question, and Roger ordered enough for four.