Lionel did not attempt to argue with her, to reason or persuade. The finality of tone and his knowledge of the woman made him give up at once any thought of such a useless effort. "But I go with her," he resolved, "either as husband or servant. And if she won't take me, I'll go on my own if I have to steal a ride under the train!"
"Did you call at the house?" he asked.
"I came straight across here, seeing you the moment I entered the gate. Perhaps I had better see my sister before we begin to talk. Our conversation may be long."
Lionel moved uneasily.
"I am sorry to say," he began, "that your sister feels anything but well-disposed toward you. She resents your suspicion, and ... and...." he stuck fast.
"Refuses to see me?" she suggested.
He nodded. "I have hopes of winning her over yet, but...."
"If she has said 'No' she will stick to it," said Beatrice, digging her parasol into the lawn. "She can be a darling, but she can also be pig-headed. What do you think of her?" she added quickly, turning upon him.
"Charming," said Lionel. "Except for this unfortunate weakness. And there is some excuse even for that."
"Do you consider her pretty?" It sounded an odd question, but oddities were lost on him now.