Billy rose, and every vestige of his light good humor faded; was replaced by a sternness Jim had never seen. “Miss Fisher has consented to be my partner for the evening; and I also have the—the grub.” Erminie herself could not have edged a sarcasm with finer scorn than Billy threw into his last word.
Jim eyed him in surprise for a second, then broke out in a loud voice, “Well, Miss Fisher belongs to—” His eyes burned red and his hands clenched involuntarily.
His companion though not as bright was more prudent than Jim; also he was selfish; he wanted the presidency, and knew that open hostility in any direction endangered his chances. “Come off, Kid! You always kick in for fair play.” And ingratiatingly bowing to Erminie, “Probably Miss Fisher was engaged to Mr. Bennett first.”
“Mr. Bennett nothing! By jiminy!—”
But Erminie interrupted glibly. “I’ve expected to come to this picnic with Billy ever since I knew there was to be one.”
“But I told you—”
She laughed nervously. “Jim Barney, you’ve told me a good many things lately; but if you are Boss of the Fifth Avenue High you’re not my boss.”
The words were not out of her mouth before she knew that all of her plot and subterfuge of the past weeks was lost. Daily her repugnance to Jim and his methods had been growing. She had tolerated, wheedled him, only that it might be easier for Billy till the end of the term. Now, with that day only two weeks off, she had in a moment undone all she had gained.
Yet even in that instant of dismay she was filled with relief. She need dissemble no more. She could be straight with Billy and fight Jim in the open. She would tell Bess Carter a little—what she needed to tell, join the Progressives, and be with those she believed were doing well.
Jim was angry through and through, and too astonished to speak immediately; and in the moment of his hesitancy Walter Buckman led him away.