"Wait just a second!" said Westervelt.
He tried to get beside her to speak to something besides the back of her blonde head, but she was a tall girl and had a long stride. He hesitated to take her by the elbow.
Beryl stopped at the door to the library.
"Please take note, Willie," she said coldly, "that the light is on inside and I am all alone."
At least she spoke, thought Westervelt.
"I have come down here for a little peace and quiet," she informed him. "I hope you didn't intend to learn how to read at this hour of the night."
"Aw, come on!" protested Westervelt. "It was an accident. Could I help it?"
"Being the way you are, I suppose not," admitted Beryl judiciously. "Why don't you go elsewhere and be an accident again?"
"I'm trying to say I'm sorry," said Westervelt, feeling a flush spreading over his features. "I don't know why I have to apologize, anyway. It wasn't me in there, filing away in the dark!"
Beryl looked down her nose at him as if he were a Mizarian asking where he could have his chlorine tank refilled.