When she reached home Stillings was there, and they talked earnestly. The bell rang violently. Teerswell rushed in.
“Well, Carrie!” he cried eagerly.
“Well, Tom,” she responded, giving him a languid hand. Stillings rose and departed. Teerswell nodded and said:
“Well, what do you think of last night?”
“A great speech, I hear.”
‚ÄúA fool speech‚ÅÝ‚Äîthat speech cost him, I calculate, between twenty-four and forty-eight thousand dollars.‚Äù
“Possibly he’s satisfied with his bargain.”
“Possibly. Are you?”
“With his bargain?” quickly. “Yes.”
“No,” he pressed her, “with your bargain?”
“What bargain?” she parried.
“To marry him.”
“Oh, no; that’s off.”
‚ÄúIs it off?‚Äù cried Teerswell delightedly. ‚ÄúGood! It was foolish from the first‚ÅÝ‚Äîthat black country‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù
“Gently,” Miss Wynn checked him. “I’m not yet over the habit.”
“Come. See what I’ve bought. You know I have a salary now.” He produced a ring with a small diamond cluster.