For the first time in their mutual acquaintance she did not smile. Her look as she faced him was grave and cold. It seemed that at last his repeated insults had quenched her timid impulse to friendliness. The thought affected him profoundly.
"I hope you haven't been too lonely this afternoon?" he asked haltingly, standing in the doorway.
"No, not at all. Mrs. Ferris came to see me."
"Ha! How did you like her?"
"She seems very kind." The tone was entirely noncommittal. It seemed to say, "Whether I liked her or not is no concern of yours."
"H'm! Did she say anything about taking you out in the motor?"
"Yes."
"What did you say?"
"I said I would rather not go."
"You would rather not go?"