"That is different," retorted John growing very red.
"Yes—Nellie is much nearer to your age than to Mr. Juxon's," answered
Mrs. Goddard, with a calmness which made John desperate.
"Really, Mrs. Goddard," he said stiffly, "I cannot see what that has to do with it."
"'The atrocious crime of being a young man, which the lady so much older than myself has charged—' How does the quotation end, Mr. Short?"
"'Has, with such spirit and decency, charged upon me, I shall neither attempt to palliate nor deny,'" said John savagely. "Quite so, Mrs. Goddard. I shall not attempt to palliate it, nor will I venture to deny it."
"Then why in the world are you so angry with me?" she asked, suddenly turning her violet eyes upon him. "I was only laughing, you know."
"Only laughing!" repeated John. "It is more pleasant to laugh than to be laughed at."
"Yes—would not you allow me the pleasure then, just for once?"
"Certainly, if you desire it. You are so extremely merry—"
"Come, Mr. Short, we must not seem to have been quarrelling when we reach the pond. It would be too ridiculous."