THE CHINOOK
" You do it often, and it's an annoying mannerism."
" Do you quite realize what you are asking? " his wife demanded.
" Perfectly," replied Mr. Pantin, calmly. " I've passed the stage when I talk to make conversation."
" But think how she's been criticised! "
Mr. Pantin got up impatiently.
" Oh, you virtuous dames — "
Mrs. Pantin's thin lips went shut like a rat-trap.
"Abram, are you twitting me?"
Mr. Pantin ignored the accusation, and observed astutely :
" I presume you've done your share of talking, and that's why"
" She is impossible, and what you ask is impossible,'* Mrs. Pantin declared firmly.
" It's not often that I ask a favor of you. Prissy." His tone was conciliatory.
Mrs. Pantin met him half way and her voice was softer as she answered:
"I appreciate that, Abram, but there are a few of us who must keep up the bars against such persons. Society "
" Rats! " ejaculated Mr. Pantin coarsely.
The hand which she had laid tenderly upon his shoulder was withdrawn as if it harbored a hornet.
"I don't understand this at all — not at all," she said, icily. "However," very distinctly, "it is not necessary that I should, for I shall not do it." She folded her arms as she confronted him.
Mr. Pantin was silent so long that she thought the battle was over, and purred at him:
"You can realize how I feel about it, can't you,
darling? "
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