"May I ask for what purpose, really, are you going to 'phone?" Rose Thompson asked.
"I told your mother what for, didn't I?" Herb replied.
"I know; yes. But your real reason?"
"Great Jehoshaphat! If you don't want me to use it I can get one next door, perhaps, or somewhere."
"No; use this one. But I have asked you a question. Now please answer. I want to know very much, indeed, and I know you will not refuse me."
"Won't I? There must be many a thing that you want to know right badly and can't. Well, I will use your 'phone as it's getting late." He had glanced at the hall clock.
"That clock is fast, very!" the girl declared. "And I must know. I must!"
She had interposed herself between Herbert and the 'phone and she looked very determined. It was not a pleasing position for the boy to be in, opposed by a gentle-appearing girl. Many a chap, even less tender-hearted than he, would have turned away, hoping for some other way to proceed, but Herb saw his duty first and clearly, the girl's attitude making him the more determined.
"Now, see here, Miss Thompson, you can hear me talk, can't you? I don't like to scrap with women, but I know my orders. Come, let me have that 'phone, or I'll have to take it, anyway."
She had put her hand against his breast and held him back. "When you tell me."