The mention of payment annoyed me.
"There is no charge, Miss Grant," was all I could trust myself to say.
"What do you mean?" she asked. "Surely you must understand that it is not my habit to engage men to work for me without payment!"
"We did not look upon it in the nature of ordinary work," I put in. "It was a pleasure, and we did it as any neighbours would do a favour."
Her eyes closed a little angrily.
"I do not accept favours from men I am unacquainted with," she retorted unreasonably. "How much do I owe,—please?"
"And I do not hire myself out, like a dock labourer or a mule, to any one who cares to demand my services," I replied, in equally cold tones.
She stood in hesitation, then she stamped her rubber-soled foot petulantly. "But I will not have it. I insist on paying for that work."
I shook my head.
"If you wish to insult me, Miss Grant,—insist."