Laura sat suddenly erect.

“But you said,” she began, her voice faltering a little, “you said⁠—”

“Honey, I know I did, but you must let me off this time again.”

She did not answer. It was too dark for him to see her face; but, uneasy at her silence, he began an elaborate explanation. Laura, however, interrupted. Calmly enough, she said:

“Oh, that’s all right. No, no, I don’t mind. Of course, if you are busy.”

“Well, you see, don’t you, old girl?”

“Oh, yes, yes, I see,” she answered. She rose.

“I think,” she said, “we had better be going home. Don’t you?”