“Why not, Ethel? Why not now?”
“Oh, I don’t know!” Ethel replied airily. “Let’s not talk about it, grandmother. I’ve brought some candied fruit. You like that, don’t you?”
The old lady untied the flamboyant package with fingers that were not very steady. While she was doing so, the clock struck six.
“I’ll have to go,” said Ethel quickly. “I’m sorry I came so late and had such a tiny visit, grandmother, but—”
“Wait, my little Ethel. Gianetta will order a taxi.”
“Oh, no, thanks!” said Ethel. “I like the walk.”
“Not now, in the dark, my dear.”
“I don’t mind the dark. It’s really not at all late. I’ll—”
“No!” said the old lady with unexpected firmness. “There must be a taxi, and Gianetta will go with you to the train.”
Ethel answered politely, but with equal firmness, that she didn’t want that.