er for a moment what I think, or how
I feel your neglect and indifference. I suppose this is what you would
call unwomanly; but I have got into a habit of expressing myself. It
doesn't matter to me, and you may think me unwomanly if you like."

"No; I only think you cruel, as I said the other day. Maybe not
intentionally cruel; but you seem to be forcing me into disclosures
which can result in nothing; as if you would have me bare a wound for
the pleasure of looking at it, without the intention or power of healing
it."

"I'm spoiling your dinner, Robert; never mind what I say. You haven't
eaten a morsel."

"I only came in for a cup of coffee." His sensitive face was all
disfigured with excitement.

"Isn't this a delightful place?" she remarked. "I am so glad it has
never actually been discovered. It is so quiet, so sweet, here. Do you
notice there is scarcely a sound to be heard? It's so out of the way;
and a good walk from the car. However, I don't mind walking. I always
feel so sorry for women who don't like to walk; they miss so much--so
many rare little glimpses of life; and we women learn so little of life
on the whole.

"Catiche's coffee is always hot. I don't know how she manages it, here
in the open air. Celestine's coffee gets cold bringing it from the
kitchen to the dining-room. Three lumps! How can you drink it so sweet?
Take some of the cress with your chop; it's so biting and crisp. Then
there's the advantage of being able to smoke with your coffee out here.
Now, in the city--aren't you going to smoke?"

"After a while," he said, laying a cigar on the table.

"Who gave it to you?" she laughed.

"I bought it. I suppose I'm getting reckless; I bought a whole box." She
was determined not to be personal again and make him uncomfortable.

The cat made friends with him, and climbed into his lap when he smoked
his cigar. He stroked her silky fur, and talked a little about her. He
looked at Edna's book, which he had read; and he told her the end, to
save her the trouble of wading through it, he said.

Again he accompanied her back to her home; and it was after dusk when
they reached the little "pigeon-house." She did not ask him to remain,
which he was grateful for, as it permitted him to stay without the
discomfort of blundering through an excuse which he had no intention
of considering. He helped her to light the lamp; then she went into her
room to take off her hat and to bathe her face and hands.