He could see that her trouble was keen. He was astonished that the matter should be so grave in her estimation. After all, what was it that a girl should be kissed? But he wanted to regain his lost ground.
“Will you forget it, Miss Hilma? I want you to like me.”
She took a clean napkin from the sideboard drawer and laid it down by the plate.
“I—I do want you to like me,” persisted Annixter. “I want you to forget all about this business and like me.”
Hilma was silent. Annixter saw the tears in her eyes.
“How about that? Will you forget it? Will you—will—will you LIKE me?”
She shook her head.
“No,” she said.
“No what? You won't like me? Is that it?”
Hilma, blinking at the napkin through her tears, nodded to say, Yes, that was it. Annixter hesitated a moment, frowning, harassed and perplexed.