As he took the cup, he managed to get hold of her hand.
“And now, Mabin, what’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” said she with a grand air; “and you are treading on my frock.”
“I beg your pardon. I don’t think I was treading on your frock, by the bye. It is the table that is on it.”
So he went down on one knee, released her dress, and remained in his humble attitude, which brought him too low for her to avoid meeting his eyes, as she would have liked to do.
“And now, Mabin, tell me why you are unkind again so soon.”
“You had better get up. Mrs. Dale might see you,” was the icy answer.
“Well, and why shouldn’t she see me? Mabin, don’t behave like this; it isn’t worthy of you. I couldn’t have thought it possible you would sulk without any cause, as you are doing.”
“Without any cause? When Mrs. Dale and you both were unkind, making excuses to send me away, and——”
She stopped, afraid for her self-control. Rudolph taking a seat beside her, went on very quietly: