And so, to prove the sincerity of my prayers and the worth of my high resolve, I—called her back.
“Miss Colton,” I said.
She, apparently, did not hear me, so I called again.
“Miss Colton.”
“Yes?”
“I seem somehow or other to have offended you.” And even as I said it I realized the completeness of the back-down, realized it and blushed. I was ashamed of my weakness. Yet when she asked me to repeat my words I did so.
“You spoke to me?” she said, coldly.
“I—I said I had not meant to offend you.”
“Why should you imagine that I am offended, pray? You seem to think other people must necessarily regard you as seriously as you do yourself. I am not offended.”
“But you are.”