“We’ll get the duffers out of the way first, and then we’ll have a jolly set afterwards.”
Apparently Miss Wilkinson overheard him, for she threw down her racket, and, saying she had a headache, went away. It was plain to everyone that she was offended. Philip was annoyed that she should make the fact public. The set was arranged without her, but presently Mrs. Carey called him.
“Philip, you’ve hurt Emily’s feelings. She’s gone to her room and she’s crying.”
“What about?”
“Oh, something about a duffer’s set. Do go to her, and say you didn’t mean to be unkind, there’s a good boy.”
“All right.”
He knocked at Miss Wilkinson’s door, but receiving no answer went in. He found her lying face downwards on her bed, weeping. He touched her on the shoulder.
“I say, what on earth’s the matter?”
“Leave me alone. I never want to speak to you again.”
“What have I done? I’m awfully sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings. I didn’t mean to. I say, do get up.”