“Wait a minute,” she gasps, sitting up with some difficulty and putting a careful hand to her hair. “What’s the matter with you?”
There is another silence, until she has to object again.
“Really,” she protests, “I don’t know what’s the matter with you tonight. You’ve never acted like this before.”
“I’m terribly sorry, really. I couldn’t stand it if I thought I’d offended you. We’ve been good friends; I don’t see why I have to spoil it like this.”
But after a little interlude of quiet, she protests.
“Arthur, listen. You simply must behave. I don’t feel that way; can’t you see? I like you a lot, but I just don’t feel that way. You can’t make me feel that way, either. I’m sorry. I’ll have to get mad in a minute.”
Don’t answer, but stare gloomily at the steering-wheel. She is a little worried.
“Arthur, what’s the matter? I wish you wouldn’t act that way. It makes me feel so mean. I don’t want to be mean. I just thought it would be better to tell the truth.”
“You’re perfectly right, dear. It’s just like you—honest even if you’re cruel.”
“Don’t be so silly. It isn’t cruel. I can’t help it if I can’t feel that way. I never feel that way.”
“Arthur, you know I like you better than anybody.”
“Why, Arthur!” She pulls your head over to hers and kisses you. “There, silly.”
“Never mind, Ann,” say sadly. “Never mind. You don’t have to. You can always be perfectly honest with me. I understand.”
“Oh, you do not either!” She is impatient. “You don’t understand me at all, if you’re going to sulk like that. Here, kiss me.”
“Oh, Ann, you’re so sweet and I’m such a mess. I’m going to take you home. I’ll just make a fool of myself.”
“Why, Arthur?” she says, gently. “Don’t feel so badly. I understand.”
“I can’t go home while you feel so badly. I want to be a friend of yours, Arthur.”
“Never mind. It’s all right. I know all about it. I don’t blame you.”
“Never mind. I should have thought of it before. You’re too sweet; you should have told me. Then I wouldn’t have bothered you.”
“But Arthur, you don’t bother me! What do you mean?”
“Please, Ann, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“You have to, now. You’ve started. I’ve got to know. What is it?”
“Never mind. I’m going to take you home.”
“You are not! I won’t go home. You sit right there and explain yourself.”