“Why, I am a total stranger here, Everet,” she said, “and it is too bad of you to desert me in this unceremonious fashion.”
“But the Ainslies and Worthingtons will be here in a day or two, and then you will have plenty of company,” he told her.
“But I want you for an escort. I do not like to be left alone.”
“Then I’ll try and persuade father to come on, if he is at home when I reach Vue de l’Eau,” Everet returned, but without relenting in the least from his purpose.
“But what is your object? It seems inexplicable to me. I supposed, of course, you were going to remain with me,” his mother said, searching his face curiously, and with some anxiety as well.
“I have an object, but——”
“But you do not wish to tell me what it is,” she interposed. “Everet, you shall! I suspect it is some love affair.”
He colored crimson, and then was enraged at himself for doing so.
“Well, and what if it is?” he demanded, somewhat defiantly.
“Who is there at home in whom you are so deeply interested?”