As soon as I got up next day I called him on the telephone. It was so
early that I probably woke him up, but I had to tell him what was on my
mind.
"It's Nora," I said.
He replied:
"Last time you telephoned to me you were in trouble; do you remember?
Are you in trouble now, little girl?"
I said I wasn't, but I just wanted to say I _couldn't_ and wouldn't let
him buy clothes for me.
I knew just as well as if I could see him how he was looking when I
said that. He was used to having his own way, and that I dared to set
my will against his always made him angry. After a moment he said:
"Will you do something else to please me, then?"
"What?"
"Don't go to work to-day."
"I've _got_ to; truly I have."
"You only think that. Call up O'Brien and ask to be excused. If you
don't, I will. Now I'll be up at your place about ten. I've something
special to give you, anyway."
"What?"
"I can't tell you on the 'phone."
"We-ell," I weakened; "all right, then."