“I am sorry,” said Mary blushing.
“I am just as much to blame,” said Tom good-naturedly. “I’ve been asking your cousin questions.”
“I hate to see girls so forward,” said Imogene spitefully.
Mary looked pained, and there was some spirit in her answer.
“I didn’t think it would be polite to refuse answering Mr. Temple,” she said.
“Imogene is right,” said Mrs. Davenport, who thoroughly sympathized with her daughter. “You are too forward.”
Mary’s mouth quivered with mortification, but she said nothing. Neither did Tom. He was indignant at the petty malice of Imogene, and determined, if he could not speak to Mary, he would not speak at all. He only answered the questions of the rest in monosyllables during the remainder of the meal.
When supper was over, Mrs. Davenport said:
“We will go into the parlor. Imogene, can’t you play for Mr. Temple?”
“Do you like music, Mr. Temple?” asked Imogene.