"Call it childishness, idiocy, what you will, but don't leave me this evening."
"Jenny, love, it breaks my heart to see you so unreasonable, for I am obliged to refuse you."
"Yvon—"
"It is absolutely necessary for me to show myself at this entertainment, though I need remain only a few moments."
"But, my dear Yvon—"
A flush of impatience mounted to Cloarek's brow, nevertheless he controlled himself, and said to his wife in the same affectionate though slightly reproachful tone:
"Such persistency on your part surprises me, Jenny. You know I am not in the habit of having to be begged. On the contrary, I have always endeavoured to anticipate your wishes, so spare me the annoyance of being obliged to say 'no' to you for the first time in my life."
"Great Heavens!" exclaimed the now thoroughly distressed woman, "to think of your attaching so much importance to a mere pleasure—"
"Pleasure!" exclaimed Yvon, bitterly, his eyes kindling. Then restraining himself, he added:
"If it were a question of pleasure, you would not have been obliged to ask me but once, Jenny."