Anway bit his lip. He was not deficient in pluck, but he lacked Evan's self-possession. The two or three years' difference in age put him at a cruel disadvantage. Finally he looked at the girl.
"May I stay a little longer, Corinna?" he asked.
The Christian name stabbed Evan. He sneered. "Nice, well-mannered little boy!" his expression said.
"You must both go," said Corinna calmly.
Evan smiled at her again, but she refused to meet his glance. However he stood up now, for he wished to start the other man on his way. Anway picked up his hat and gloves. Then all three stood there avoiding each other's glances. Neither man would be the first to say good-night, nor would Corinna address one before the other. It was a sufficiently absurd situation, but it had all the potentialities of a violent one. Finally Corinna cut the knot by saying:
"Good-night, both of you." She opened the door.
The two young men glared at each other. Anway was the weaker spirit and he had to go first. But he lingered just outside the door to make sure that Evan was coming too.
Evan whispered to Corinna: "I'm coming back."
"Indeed you're not!" she retorted, glancing significantly at the key in the door.
"Then I won't go," said Evan coolly turning back into the room.