“Go to the deuce! Do we eat now?”
After dinner they sat together on the porch until such time as Vincent thought he might venture to return to The Larches, and Ethan listened patiently and with attempted enthusiasm to his friend’s mild ravings. Vincent was ludicrously happy.
“It’s all so darned funny!” he kept repeating. “A few hours ago I was scared to death for fear she wouldn’t have me, and now——”
“And now you’re a goner,” finished Ethan.
“Laugh if you want to,” replied Vincent happily. “I expected you would. I thought you’d cut up worse than you have, old chap. My time will come!”
“When it does, you let me know,” scoffed Ethan.
“Look here, I wish you’d give up this Boston business and go along with me to-night, Eth. I—there’s a reason.”
“Nonsense, you’re beyond reason. Besides, I can’t give it up, Vin. Sorry; wish I could.”
“Oh, go to blazes! You could if you wanted to. Look here, I lay you any odds you like that you’ve been caught yourself! You’ve met some girl here and she’s gone home and you’re tagging after! You ought to have more pride, Eth!”