"A good-looking Italian," replied Cornelius, whistling carelessly, with his hands in his pockets, "rather given to be in love with every woman he sees."
"And Mr. Schwab?"
"A good-looking German, and a professed woman-hater."
"I wish they would come."
"But they won't," he said, with evident satisfaction.
"You are glad of it!" I exclaimed a little indignantly. "You are glad that I have no parties to go to; that I see no one."
I turned away half angrily; he caught me back, ardently entreating me not to be vexed with him; "He could not bear it," he said. Astonished and mute, I looked up into his bending face. The time had been when I had trembled before a look and a frown, and now a petulant speech of mine distressed him thus.
"Forgive me," he earnestly continued, "for not having forestalled your wishes; but I cared so little for other society than yours, that I forgot mine might not be to you so delightful and engrossing. A party, I cannot command, but I shall take you to the play this very evening."
I wanted to refuse, but he would hear of no objection, though I told him plainly he had not the money to spare.
"And if it is my pleasure to spend on you the little I have—what about it, Daisy?"