"Why, of course, Jim."
He laughed again. "Empty authority, dear—a shadowy symbol of traditional but obsolete prerogative."
"You are wrong. Your decision is final. But—as I know it will always be for my happiness, I can always appeal from your prejudice to your intelligence," she added naïvely. And for a moment was surprised at his unrestrained laughter.
"What does it matter?" she admitted, laughing, too. "Between you and me the right thing always will be done sooner or later."
His laughter died out; he said soberly: "Always, God willing. It may be a little hard for me to learn—as it's hard, now, for example, to say good-bye."
"Jim!"
"You know I must, darling."
"But I don't mind sitting up a few minutes later to-night——"
"I know you don't. But here's where I exercise my harmlessly arbitrary authority for your happiness and for the sake of your good digestion."
"What a brute you are!"