'I had no intention of insulting you, Miss Brewster.'
'What is it but an insult to use such a phrase? It implies that I either care for you, or——'
'And do you?'
'Do I what?'
'Do you care for me?'
Jennie shook out the lace fringes of her parasol; and smoothed them with some precision. Her eyes were bent on what she was doing; consequently, they did not meet those of her questioner.
'I care for you as a friend, of course,' she said at last, still giving much attention to the parasol. 'If I had not looked on you as a friend, I would not have come here to consult with you, would I?'
'No, I suppose not. Well, I am sorry I used the words that displeased you, and now, if you will permit it, we will go on with the consultation.'
'It wasn't a pretty thing to say.'
'I'm afraid I'm not good at saying pretty things.'