"All right," he said abruptly. "I'll go."
Her eyes flashed up to his. She took her hand from the piano and gave it to him. "You are going to be a true friend to me, Charlie," she said.
He smiled rather wryly. "My friendship is to take a somewhat negative form, it seems to me, but perhaps it will stand the strain. Have you heard anything yet about the American doctor?"
She shook her head. "No, nothing."
"And you have not laid my proposal before Jake, I gather?" he pursued, boldly keeping her hand in his.
"Not yet," she said.
"Have you given the matter your own august consideration?" he asked.
Her hand began to fidget for freedom. "I have thought about it, Charlie. I have not quite made up my mind. But you mustn't be hurt if I say No."
"I shan't be hurt," he said, slowly relaxing his hold so that her hand slipped free. "But I shall think that your love of propriety somewhat outweighs your love for Bunny."
She flushed, and turned aside to take up her gloves in silence.