Katherine seemed quite unconcerned and indifferent as to whether he did or did not; and she took his burden from him and thanked him absently, with a look towards the door evidently expecting him to go back again whence he came.
But he showed no signs of moving.
"Am I to be offered a chair on this my first call upon Miss Bush?"
"It isn't a call—you helped me to carry the books. I am very busy to-day."
"I don't care. I am here now, and I am going to stay—I shall tell my aunt how inhospitable and ungracious you are!"
"Sneak!" and she began sorting the little parcels into a row, her sullen eyes smiling. "I always hated tell-tales at school."
"So did I—but I could commit any crime to be with you. I have been tantalized all the week—Miss Bush not even seen at tea—and only glimpses of her scurrying along passages and up stairs!"
"What then do you want with Miss Bush?—Have you some more charity business to do?"
"No—The charity will be quite on the side of the fair Katherine, if she will allow a weary wayfarer to bask in the sunshine of her presence for a little while."
"Mr. Strobridge, you are talking nonsense, and I have not a moment's time to waste on you."