“You have been up there with her?” I said, with a nod toward the lighted window of the room above. “What has happened? What have you said and done?”
“Hush! I'll tell you; I'll tell you all about it. Only come in now. I sha'n't feel safe until I get you inside. Oh, Hosy, DON'T act this way! Do you want to frighten me to death?”
That appeal had an effect. I was ashamed of myself.
“Forgive me, Hephzy,” I said. “I'll try to be decent. You needn't worry about me. I'm a fool, of course, but now that I realize it I shall try to stop behaving like one. Come along; I'm ready.”
In the drawing-room she closed the door.
“Shall I light the lamp?” she asked.
“No. Oh, for heaven's sake, can't you see that I'm crazy to know what you said to that girl and what she said to you? Tell me, and hurry up, will you!”
She did not resent my sudden burst of temper and impatience. Instead she put her arm about me.
“Sit down, Hosy,” she pleaded. “Sit down and I'll tell you all about it. Do sit down.”
I refused to sit.