“Certainly I did. Wasn’t it your express desire to be sociable, and to know your neighbours?”
“Oh, not them—not there! It’s pleasant knowing a few people, but one is at liberty to choose. I think you might have consulted me!”
In the soft dusk she laughed, and stretched out a caressing hand.
“Tired, dear, and—cross? I thought you’d be pleased. Why and wherefore? Tell me the truth?”
“Oh, don’t be so tiresome, Charmion. Of course I am tired. I’ve been on my feet all day long. Cross! Why should I be cross? Only—I don’t choose to accept hospitality from that man. I tell you plainly I won’t go.”
She bowed her head, deliberately, once and again.
“Oh, yes, Evelyn, you will! I gave you your choice, and having made it you will play fair. I should have preferred to remain peacefully at Coventry, but having taken the first step at your request, I don’t propose to allow you to force me into society alone.”
What could I say? What was it possible to say? There is no way out of it. I shall just have to go!