The Charm School
At the end of that time he would return, having recovered his temper, and advance the theory that Elise had been angry. Elise would answer that she certainly had. George would then laugh, and say, as one old and wise in the ways of women, "I knew you didn't mean what you said." Elise would then assure him that she had meant every word—although she would not have said it if she hadn't been cross. This statement George always took as a huge joke—a feminine whimsy—a charming method of saving her face—and so settled back into his old attitude.
This cycle had been run through by the time they parted on Monday morning.
"It's because I love you so much, Elise," he said, as he bade her good-by. "I want to guard you from him—to be near you and watch over you."
The last words were heard by Sally, who answered: "You might come and give a course in morals, George—you're so strong on morals."
George couldn't think of anything better than, "One of you could learn manners with advantage." He saw them giggling with their heads together as they drove away; and, turning, he observed to his mother that
[ 51 ]
