“I do. I know that I’m in love with you, anyway, and that you’re lonely and need me.”
“Lonely!” thought the wretched man. “Not exactly!”
Aloud he said nothing, but sat silent, conscious of the steady gaze of her fierce, candid eyes.
“I hadn’t intended to tell you to-night,” she went on. “I know you’re very shy, and I’d intended to win you over little by little. Not by any feminine trickery or illusion, you understand. I’d just reveal myself. I’m sure that if you knew me, you’d love me. We’re so perfectly matched,” she ended, a bit impatiently. “I wish there weren’t all this fuss and trouble! I wish you’d make up your mind promptly!”
“But—” he began.
“Don’t answer me now, when you’re in this contrary, obstinate humor. I’ll wait till to-morrow evening. Now let’s talk about something else.”
“No!” said Andrew. “I’m going to bed. Good night!”
He went off with a quick step and a frown; but his going was not effective. It was too much like flight, and it was spoiled by the grin on Miss Franklin’s face.
Alone in his room he gave up the effort to hide his alarm.
“That woman’s got to go!” he cried. “I’m not going to be hounded and bothered by her like this! How am I to do any work? How can I get rid of her?”