“Nowhere, for the present. I am going to stay here in Harniss.... Wait! Please wait, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
She told him of the letter from Mrs. Carter and her uncle’s decision that the European trip must be postponed. He would have interrupted a half dozen times, but she begged him not to.
“So you see, Bob,” she said, in conclusion, “you and I won’t meet over there as soon as we expected. I can’t go now, although perhaps some day I shall. I am glad you are going. I am awfully glad of that.”
He had risen and was standing before her. His lips were set and he was frowning. Now he laughed scornfully.
“Esther,” he protested, “don’t! Don’t be silly. You can’t really think I would go if you didn’t.”
“Why, of course I do. You must go. Certainly you are going.”
“Certainly I am not. Huh! I should say not! If you don’t go neither do I. If they make you wait I’ll wait, too.”
“Bob! Oh, please, Bob, be reasonable. Think of what it means to you. Your chance to study, to go on with your painting, to get ahead in the world! Do you suppose I shall let you give up your opportunity just because mine is postponed for a while? Did you think me as selfish as that?”
He shook his head. “You bet I don’t go!” he muttered. “Indeed I don’t! They don’t get me away from you as easily as that comes to.”
“Bob!... What do you mean by that? No one is trying to get you away from me.”