"I really am awfully ashamed," he said, in quite a boyish, humble tone, and then gasped at himself. What was there about Gila that always "got a fellow's goat"?
After that Gila had the conversation quite where she wanted it, and finally she told him sweetly that he might come over this evening if he chose. She had other engagements, but she would break them all for him.
"Suppose you go to church with me this evening," he temporized. "I've found a minister I'd like to have you hear. He's quite original!"
There was a distinct pause at the other end of the 'phone, while Gila's little white teeth came cruelly into her red under lip, and her pearly forehead drew the straight, black, penciled brows naughtily. Then she answered, in sweetly honeyed tones:
"Why, that would be lovely! Perhaps I will. What time do we start?"
Something in her tone annoyed him, despite his satisfaction at having induced her to be friends again. Almost it sounded like a false note in the day again. He hadn't expected her to go. Now she was going, he was very sure he didn't want her.
"I warn you that it is among very common people in the lower part of the city," he said, almost severely.
"Oh, that's all right!" she declared, graciously. "I'm sure it will be dandy! I certainly do enjoy new experiences!"
He hung up the 'phone with far greater misgivings than he had felt when he asked her to call on Bonnie.
Bill Ward was called out of the dining-room to the telephone almost as soon as Courtland got down to the table.