"Well I'm sure then it doesn't to me."
There was another silence which endured until they were almost home.
"Are you coming to the sociable next Thursday?" he inquired. He was referring to a Methodist evening entertainment which, although he cared very little about it, was a convenience as it enabled him to see her and take her home. He was prompted to ask by the fear that an open rupture was impending.
"No," she said. "I don't think I will."
"Why not?"
"I don't care to."
"I think you're mean," he said reprovingly.
"I don't care," she replied. "I think you're too bossy. I don't think I like you very much anyhow."
His heart contracted ominously.
"You can do as you please," he persisted.