Page:The Redemption of Anthony (1911).djvu/11

 "That won't hurt her chances any. Most men prefer the other kind—at home."

Mrs. Martin looked at him fixedly a moment. "I wonder what she'll think of you, Tony?"

He flicked his ashes into the grate. "I assure you it's a matter of total indifference to me. I don't like girls."

"I suppose she'll think it's shocking for an old lady like me to have a beau."

"Am I a beau?"

"Aren't you?"

"No; I'm your creature—a thing you made with your own hands."

"Don't. I only helped you use what the gods gave you."

"You only saved what I was determined to destroy. Don't think I don't know what you've done, Louise."

"Tony, if you should thank me, I'd hate you!" she flung out at him.

"Even I couldn't be so altogether banal as that."

The silence grew heavy.