He rose. “I must run on. We’re to dine at Towne’s then?”
“Yes. Just the five of us. It seems funny that I haven’t met Cousin Annabel. But she’s able to take her place at the head of the table, Mr. Towne tells me. He told me, too, that she wants to meet me. But I have a feeling that she won’t approve of me, Baldy. I’m not fashionable enough.”
“Why should you be fashionable? You are all right as you are.”
“Am I? Baldy, I believe my stock has gone up with you.”
“It hasn’t, Janey. You were always a darling. But I didn’t want to spoil you.”
“As if you could,” she smiled wistfully. “Sometimes I have a feeling, Baldy, that I should like life to go on just as it is. Just you and me, Baldy. But of course it can’t.”
“Of course it can, if you wish it. You mustn’t marry Towne if you have the least doubt.”
“I haven’t any doubts. So don’t worry.” She stood up and kissed him. “Briggs will come out for me—and we are all to see a play together afterward.”
“Baldy,” she had hold of the lapel of his coat, “how are things going with—Edith?”