“I don’t like that sort of business,” said he, unconvincingly industrious with his brush. “Neither do I,” said she. “But what was I to do? You know, you forced me into engaging myself to him.” He stopped work, stared at her. The light--or something--that morning was most becoming to her, the smallish, slim, yellow-haired sprite--most disturbingly becoming. She went on in the same sweet, even way: “And if it hadn’t been for my coming here to act as your model I’d not have got into trouble. And, having got in, what was there to do but get out with as little damage to poor Peter’s feelings as possible?” Then she looked at him with innocent eyes, as if she had uttered the indisputable. Roger surveyed her with admiration. “You are--the limit!” he exclaimed. “The limit!” “But isn’t what I said true?” urged she. “What else could I have done?” “True? Yes--true,” said he, making a gesture of resignation. “I admit everything--anything.” “Now, do be reasonable, Chang!” she reproached. “Where isn’t it true?” “If I let myself argue with you I’d be running wild through the woods in about fifteen minutes. Tell me, does anyone in your family--or among your acquaintances--does _anyone_ ever dispute with you?” She reflected, ignoring the irony in his tone. “No,” said she, “I don’t believe they do. I have my own way.” “I’d have sworn it,” cried he. “You are the only one that ever opposes me,” said she. “I? Oh, no. Never! But in this one thing I must.” He changed to seriousness. “Rix, I’ll have nothing to do with your deceiving that nice young chap. That’s flat and final.” “Isn’t he nice, though!” exclaimed she. “I’ve always liked him since he was a little boy at dancing school with such a polite, quiet way of sniffling. He hates to blow his nose. You know, there are people like that. I wouldn’t hurt his feelings for the world. You see, everybody can’t be harsh and hard like you. Now, you take a positive delight in saying unpleasant truths.” “I’m nothing of a liar,” said he curtly. “I like that in you,” cried she with enthusiasm. “It makes me feel such confidence. You’re the only person I ever knew whom I believed in everything they said.” He gave her a look of frank surprise and suspicion. “What are you driving at?” he demanded. “Now, don’t look innocent. Out with it!” “I don’t understand,” said she, smiling. “Pardon me, but you do--perfectly. What are you wheedling for?” “How _can_ we be friends,” pleaded she, “if you’re always suspecting me?” “We’re not going to be friends,” replied he positively. “This--here and now--is the end.” It was evident that his words had given her a shock--a curious shock of surprise, as if she had expected some very different reception to this proffer of hers. However, after a brief reflection she seemed to recover. “How _can_ so clever a man as you be so foolish?” expostulated she. “You know as well as you’re sitting there that we simply can’t help being friends.”