“David, you are angry with me yet! You said you would forgive!” The gentle reproach minimized the crime, and enlarged the punishment. It was Kate’s way. The pretty pout on the rosy lips was the same as it used to be when she chided him for some trifling forgetfulness of her wishes.
The other guests had all gone into the house now. David made no response, but, nothing daunted, Kate spoke again.
“I have something very important to consult you about. I came here on purpose. Can you give me some time to-morrow morning?”
She wrinkled her pretty face into a thousand dimples and looked her most bewitching like a naughty child who knew she was loved in spite of anything, and coquettishly putting her head on one side, added, in the tone she used of old to cajole him:
“You know you never could refuse me anything, David.”
David did not smile. He did not answer the look. With a voice that recognized her only as a stranger he said gravely:
“I have an important engagement to-morrow morning.”
“But you will put off the engagement.” She said it confidently.
“It is impossible!” said David decidedly. “I am starting quite early to drive over to Albany. I am under obligation to be present at the starting of the new steam railroad.”
“Oh, how nice!” said Kate, clapping her hands childishly, “I have wanted to be there, and now you will take me. Then I—we—can talk on the way. How like old times that will be!” She flashed him a smile of molten sunshine, alluring and transforming.