object to is being nagged and badgered as if I
didn't have a right to say my soul was my own."

"I'm sure, Mr. Hornblower," Ware interrupted, "that Miss Dale will tell
you that I have no wish to hurry you into any decision you will regret.
In our business, satisfied patrons are our best asset. I only want to
call attention to a little matter that may have escaped your attention
and then leave you to think it over." Though his remarks were
addressed to the farmer, his appealing gaze was fixed on Persis. He
was disagreeably uncertain as to her attitude. Possibly she had come
with the purpose of doing him a favor. And possibly-- But he
dismissed the alternative before it had taken shape in his thoughts.
On the evening before he had made plain his willingness to take up
their acquaintance just where it had left off, twenty years before.
And if he knew anything of women, nothing would induce her to imperil
the renewal of that relation.

In spite of this conviction his manner showed embarrassment as he began
his explanation. The smooth phrases he had used so often that he could
have spoken them in his sleep came readily to his lips, but even to
himself they sounded hollow and unconvincing. He was embarrassed too,
by Persis' tendency to ask questions, to inform herself as to every
detail of the plan he was unfolding. So persistent was she in her
cross-examination, that Mrs. Hornblower showed signs of irritation.

"Goodness, Persis, it ain't necessary for Mr. Ware to go into all those
points. It ain't as if this was the first time we had ever talked over
the matter."

"It's just as well to have things plain," Persis replied imperturbably.
Justin noticed that she looked less youthful and comely than on the
occasions when he had previously seen her. She had the gray and
care-worn look excusable in a woman approaching the fortieth mile-stone
who has spent a wakeful night. He was conscious of a sense of
annoyance in noting the distinctness of the triangle formed by her firm
mouth and the lines that slanted obliquely back from its corners. Her
persistence, too, troubled him. He was well aware that there is no
more serious flaw in a wife than the habit of asking questions.

In spite of interruptions he finally finished his story and folded the
papers from which he had used certain figures to give his statements an
authoritative air. Mr. Hornblower squirmed uneasily, looking at Persis
as if appealing for help.