She stopped. “You were,” she said.
“I know it. I am sorry. I apologize.”
“No apologies are necessary.”
Here was tit for tat. I did not know what more to say, so I said nothing.
“Do I understand that you ask my pardon?” she inquired, still without turning.
“I do. If you will permit me, I will explain. I—”
She whirled about and faced me. To my astonishment she was smiling once more.
“Of course you won't explain,” she declared. “I had no right to ask you about your college. But I couldn't help guessing. I told you that I liked puzzles. We'll say no more about it. I have enjoyed this picnic and I won't have it spoiled. Now why are you taking your rod apart?”
“Because I know you want to go home and I am going with you to show you the way.”
“But I don't have to go yet, do I? It is not late. And I thought perhaps you would let me see you catch another bass. Won't you? Please.”