“Yes––I shall bring Esther, of course.”
There was the smallest possible pause, then Micky said:
“I’m sorry, but I’ve another engagement. I promised the Delands to go with them to the Hoopers’ dance.”
June said “Hang the Delands,” and rang off in a huff.
Micky hung up the receiver and turned away. He was sorry to disappoint June, and yet he had no smallest intention of meeting Esther. If she had wanted him she would have sent a note or a message––but she did not want him! More than once she had said that she hated him––it was time to learn that she meant what she said. Micky’s pride had got the upper hand at last, and he would rather have died now than make the smallest overture to the girl at whose feet he had once been willing to grovel.
Driver came to the door:
“A parcel, sir. Shall I bring it in?”
Micky answered absently:
“All right.”
Driver went out of the room. After a moment he came back with a square box which he set down on the table.