His face could not but soften before this sweet appeal. He said in a kindlier tone: “I think you ought to go home. I’m sure you’ll catch cold.” She looked immensely relieved. “Oh, that’s why[43] you’re cross, is it?” said she gayly. “Don’t worry about me, Chang. I’m as dry and snug as can be. Now, do be kind to me. I don’t see how I’m going to marry Pete—that is, this man. He’s a nice fellow—good-looking—has everything I want—but— Ye gods! He’s such a rotter!” [43] “What’s that?” “It’s a man—or woman, for there are lots and lots of female rotters—it’s a person who—well, you always know just what they are going to do before they do it, and just what they’re going to say before they say it.” “That sounds like good marrying material. You know, you don’t want surprises in married life.” “Chang, how can I live through it?” she cried despondently. “You say you’ve got lots of tastes, all expensive. So—marry him.” “He’s really very good-looking,” pursued Rix, watching him out of the corners of her eyes. “And he dresses beautifully—has everything just right. There isn’t a thing against him—except—” And there she halted, as if she were not quite certain whether after all there was a positive objection to the man. “Except—what?” inquired he, impatient at the long pause at the most exciting point in the recital. She secretly delighted in the success of her ruse.[44] But she said plaintively: “Oh, you’re not interested. You’re not listening.” [44] “I’m sure you’re catching a hideous cold. Of all the absurd, silly performances——” “Now, don’t lecture on health. I simply can’t stand it. As I was about to say when you interrupted me——” “I didn’t interrupt you,” protested he. “Not paying attention is interrupting,” said she. “Anyhow, you’re interrupting now. What I want to say is, the only thing against him is that I don’t love him.” This seemed to cheer the big, dark, young man. With a certain gayety he replied: “But you soon will. You’ve been well brought up, haven’t you? Well, that means you are—just girl—ready to
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