As for Perez, he was far
enough from taking advantage of the situation. Though his eyes
followed her everywhere, he did not approach her, and seemed very ill
at ease and dissatisfied. Finally he called Jonathan aside and told
him that the last end of a husking was often rather uproarious, and
Desire perhaps would prefer to go home early. He would, himself, see
that they reached home without molestation. Desire was glad enough to
take the hint, and glad enough, too, in view of Hubbard's
demonstration, to accept the offered escort. As the three were on the
way home, Perez finally broke the rather stiff silence by expressing
with evident distress his chagrin at the unpleasant events of the
evening; and Desire found herself replying quite as if she felt for,
and wished to lessen, his self-reproach. Then they kept silent again
till just before the store was reached, when he said:
"I see that you do not go out doors at all. I suppose you are afraid
of me. If that is the reason, I hope you will not stay in after this.
I give you my word you shall not be annoyed, and I hope you'll believe
me. Good night."
"Good night."
Was it Desire Edwards' voice which so kindly, almost softly, responded
to his salutations? It was she who, in astonishment, asked herself the
question.
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