With a backward motion of her head toward the window, Fledra drawled out the last words insultingly. That she preferred Lem to him wounded Everett's pride, but made him desire her the more. He loved her just then so much that, if it had been in his power, he would have married her instantly. Her fine-fibered spirit attracted all the evil in him as a magnet draws a needle. Fledra brought him from his reverie.
"There ain't no use of my standin' here any longer," she said. "I might as well go and ask Pappy Lon. He's better'n you."
To let her go this way seemed intolerable.
"Wait," he commanded, "wait! When you came in, I didn't mean to offend you. Will you wait?"
"If ye'll help me keep away from Pappy Lon, and will promise nothin' will happen to Brother Horace or to Fluke."
"I can't do that; it's impossible. But I can take you away, after you get back to Ithaca."
"Can I come back to Brother Horace?"
"No, no; you can't go there again! Now, listen, Fledra Cronk. I'll marry you as soon as you'll let me."
Fledra's eyelids quivered.
"I'll stay with Pappy Lon and Lem, because I love Sister Ann too well to go with you."