"Indeed!… Very well. If you'd rather be—occupied—than spend the evening with me!" Lenore turned away, affecting a disdainful and hurt manner.
"Lenore, it's not that," he burst out. "I—I'd rather spend an evening with you than anybody else—or do anything."
"That's very easy to say, Mr. Dorn," she returned, lightly.
"But it's true," he protested.
"Come out of the hall. Father will hear us," she said, and led him into the room. It was not so light in there, but what light there was fell upon his face and left hers in shadow.
"I've made an—an appointment for to-night," he declared, with difficulty.
"Can't you break it?" she asked.
"No. That would lay me open to—to cowardice—perhaps your father's displeasure."
"Kurt Dorn, it's brave to give up some things!… And if you go you'll incur my displeasure."
"Go!" he ejaculated, staring at her.