The desire to have his own way died hard, but something conquered. "I'll do it! Just watch me," he said at last, a certain bravado accompanying his words.
I could see that he was much disturbed by our interview. He rose and moved towards the gate. His effort to live up to his newly-awakened manhood was boyish, but sincere.
He whirled about suddenly and said, "Miss Jenkins, I apologize to you and Zura. I—I'm awfully sorry. Zura is such a jolly chum, and she was very lonely; I wasn't any too gay myself at leaving home. But, honestly, I didn't mean to make it hard for her. I—I didn't think. Please tell her."
Impulsively he took my hand and lightly kissed it. But for his earnestness I would have thought it impudent. He was soon gone.
"Where's Pink Tommy?" cried Zura, as I entered the living-room.
"Where's Mr. Hanaford?" I questioned back.
"Why, he took his book and left. Didn't you say he was in a hurry?"
"Yes, I did; so was Mr. Chalmers. He left good-by!"
"Good-by?" In Zura's question there was much annoyance and some anger.