“We’ll go across town and up Riverside Drive for an hour. Then I’ll drop you at the club.”
They sped along in the car. He pulled down the shades, drew off her gloves, tearing the buttons in his haste, crushed her two hands in his moist hot ones, spoke quickly, panting with excitement:
“I’ve thought it all out. I’m going to your mother tonight.”
“No! No!” gasped Julie. “Write to her first.”
“I have written to her, as politely as I knew how. I told her I loved you and wanted you to be my wife.”
He read the answer, his voice shaking with anger and wounded pride:
I have no words to reply to your impertinent letter. Julie will not marry until she is of age. You are not the man I consider worthy of her. You take it for granted that she is willing. I know her better. She will not consent. I warn you not to molest her with further attentions, and consider the matter closed.
She crouched in the corner, speechless.
“She will blame me. She will say I encouraged you.”
“You did, didn’t you?”