Professor Waite offered her the ice, which she took and thanked him very sweetly, though he had dripped it awkwardly upon her dress. Then, as Adelaide began to eat it, he inconsistently took it away from her, saying, “Don’t eat now, I have something important to say to you, and I want your entire attention.”
“Oh! certainly. What is it?” Adelaide replied, knowing exactly what he wished to say, and determined to prevent his saying it.
“Miss Adelaide, I began to say what was on my mind last Halloween——”
“Oh! yes, and pardon me for interrupting you, but you remind me that I must return your muffler, which I have kept all this time. I will get it now,” and Adelaide tried to slip by him and out of the door.
“No, you must not get it now,” the Professor exclaimed, barring her way with his extended hand in which he still held the dish of ice-cream. “I must speak to you, Miss Adelaide. I may never have another opportunity.”
“In that case do set down that ice-cream, for you are spilling it over everything.”
The Professor obeyed her.
“See,” she added pathetically, “you have nearly ruined the front of my gown——”
“But that is nothing,” he asserted, “and you must not try to divert me from my purpose by calling my attention to such a trifle. These little subterfuges are unworthy of you, Adelaide. You know what it is that I wish to say and you must hear me.”
Thus driven into a corner Adelaide looked him squarely in the eyes, and braced herself for the attack.