"My aunt is quite happy without me, and I should prefer to remain here." He sat down, fuming.
"Penelope, what do you mean by it ?" he demanded.
"And what do you mean by asking me what I mean by it ?" she replied.

"You haven't any especial right that I know of." "I wish to Heaven I had!" he answered with a noticeable break in his voice.
There was a short silence.

She turned away; she felt that she was suddenly surrounded by a cloud of passion.
"Penelope," he pleaded,-- She stopped him.
"You must not say another word," she declared.

"I mean it,--you must not." "I have waited for some time," he reminded her.
"All the more reason why you should wait until the right time," she insisted.

"Be patient for a little longer, do.