“And you would really let him say so, when you intend to refuse him?”
“I can't very well refuse him till he does say so.”
This was undeniable. Mrs. Leighton could only demand, in an awful tone, “May I ask why—if you cared for him; and I know you care for him still you will refuse him?”
Alma laughed. “Because—because I'm wedded to my Art, and I'm not going to commit bigamy, whatever I do.”
“Alma!”
“Well, then, because I don't like him—that is, I don't believe in him, and don't trust him. He's fascinating, but he's false and he's fickle. He can't help it, I dare say.”
“And you are perfectly hard. Is it possible that you were actually pleased to have Mr. Fulkerson tease you about Mr. Dryfoos?”
“Oh, good-night, now, mamma! This is becoming personal.”