"Ugh!" he said, and looked perfectly disgusted; but he was not, for he said more foolish things, and at last launched out into his sober sentiment. Oh, dear, if I could have escaped all this!
"Have you not missed me? You have not said it."
"I have not missed you at all," I said, "and I do wish you would believe it."
"You have no welcome, then, no particular words of welcome?"
"Mr. Benton, you know I am a country girl."
"Yes, but you remind me of a city belle in one way. You gather hearts and throw them away as recklessly as they do, throwing smiles and using your regal beauty as a fatal charm. I must feel, Miss Minot, that it would have saved me pain had we never met."
This touched a tender spot. "Mr. Benton," I cried, "cease your foolish talk, you know that I never tried to captivate you, that I take no pleasure in an experience like this. You say that I am untrue to myself, false to my highest perception of right and justice. If you claim for me what you have said, you do not believe it, Wilmur Benton; you know in your soul you speak falsely."
"Why, Emily," he said, "you are imputing to me what you are unwilling to bear yourself; do you realize it?"
"I think I do," I replied, "and further proof is not needed to convince me."
"Really, this is a strange state of affairs, but (in a conciliatory tone), perhaps I spoke too impulsively, I cannot bear your anger; forgive me, Emily."