Both men observed that they were to have the place practically to themselves, and then Baron was promptly given to understand what it was that Thornburg wanted.
“That’s really a fine little girl,” said the manager, frankly regarding Baron across the table.
“You mean Bonnie May. Yes, she certainly is. The fact is, you can’t begin to realize how uncommonly fine she is until you know her better.”
“Well, that’s just the point. When am I going to know her better? When is she coming to us?”
Baron gave his whole attention to the waiter for a minute. He was trying to think of a response that wouldn’t concede too much. He held the strong cards now. It would be foolish to relinquish them.
The waiter was gone now.
“The fact is, Thornburg,” said Baron, “she doesn’t seem at all eager to accept your invitation. I’ve told her about it, and explained what a fine place you’ve got, and all that—and she just changes the subject. You know I didn’t agree to force her to act. That’s just what we both agreed not to do.”
“Childish timidity—the first time,” said Thornburg. “If you’d bring her over once she’d get over feeling that way.”
“She’s just about as timid as a sunbeam. She’d go anywhere if she thought she’d enjoy it. The fact is, she’s absolutely satisfied where she is, at present. Let the matter rest awhile. When things become monotonous I’ll call her attention again to your invitation.”
Thornburg shook out his napkin violently. “That sounds like beating about the bush,” he said. “You know how to get a child started. ‘Oh, look!’ you say to them. Get them excited. Then they’ll do anything.”