"If you're going to make love to me in that awfully serious way of yours or, for that matter, in any other way, I'll go."
"Aren't you going to marry me, Shirley?" he demanded with characteristic directness.
"Same old story," laughed the girl.
"Yes, this is the sixth time now that I've asked you. Again, will you marry me?"
"Don't be silly! This is hardly the place, Billy...."
"I quite agree with you. But one has to make the most of opportunity. As I said before, the occasions are all too rare when I find myself alone with you. And unless you want me to keep asking you, speak the word now, Shirley—make me happy. You may as well say it first as last, for I'm determined to win you—I'm going to have you!" he wound up energetically.
"Sure of that, Billy?" she asked coquettishly.
"Positive." And there was a world of determination in the way he said it.
"Then why bother about my consent?" A flicker of a smile hovered around her lips.
"Why do you persist in refusing me?"