But, gee, I did think youliked me a
little.
What right have they got to gowhere they cant be
seen?
You can have it for nothing if youwant it that
way.
She was quite angry now because of theproprietary
air he appeared to be assuming. Shehadnt agreed to be as nice to him to-day as he
might wish.
All right, he said, looking at her weakly and
yieldingly. Thenone turned south toward this very spot, along Cleveland
Avenue.
It means de razoo for us if we dont get dere on
time. Whaddye wanta let that fellow Sparser always hang around youfor? He
wouldntstand around and complain this way, you bet. Oh, the glory of it when
itshould come true!
Oh, no, of course not, he replied cynically and
bitterly.
And Hortense, noting his sudden tenseness and
unrest, added:Dont you think youll make it all right?
Well, youdidnt get away with it after all, did
you?
And then, as these two wandered toward a fallen log
which hereparalleled the stream, she sat down.
She never laughs that heartily with me, you
bet.
And theyregoing to have a great big verandah with a
hardwood floor.
Theyre going to build a new bungalow up there.
Butsoon she began to run and slide, squealing in pretended fear. Id like to know
what you call that if it aintflirting.
And you held his hand, too, all the way
back.
And the visitingstranger, much astounded, was left
standing outside. Isuppose I am a fool, but I saw what you did, all
right.
She was quite angry now because of theproprietary
air he appeared to be assuming.
And all the otherswere emitting peals and squeals
of laughter. Well hardly have time, as it is, to change.
It must be that he was getting tofeel too sure of
her. Just think, Mamma, began Bella most unconcernedly and almostirrelevantly. Why,
here we areout here now and you wont even let me touch you.
Shebegan to whimper on the instant and wave her
hands up and down.
So infectious was the result that for the time
beingClyde forgot his jealousy.
If she wanted to lie and pretend, he would have
topretend to believe her.
Determined not to show furtherwatchfulness or
jealousy Clyde remained behind. Gee, but youre mean, she said in an assumed hurt
way.
But, gee, I did think youliked me a little. Ill
kiss you after a while, when the others arentlooking if youll be good.