With a sudden impulse she turned to the man at her side. “I am sorry you came so late,” she said.
“I am more than sorry,” he replied, brightening instantly.
“I really must go home this afternoon,” she said.
He was encouraged by her tone of regret. “I think I will tell you something,” he said.
“Well?”
“I came here on purpose to meet you. I was visiting my friends, the Allens, at Thanksgiving, and all the men there were talking of you.”
This, of course, was ancient history to Sylvia. “What were they saying?” she asked—and stole a glance at Frank.
“They said you’d never let a man go without hurting him. At least, not if you thought him worth while.”
“Dear me!” she exclaimed, astonished and flattered. “I wonder that you weren’t afraid to meet me!”
“I was amused,” answered the other. “I thought to myself, I’d like to see her hurt me.”