"Well, I want to know about it," she reiterated.

"You've got a few days yet," he insisted. "You'll not want to
start before the races are over."

He was irritated to think that this should come up when he wished
to have his thoughts for other purposes.

"Well, we may. Jessica doesn't want to stay until the end of the
races."

"What did you want with a season ticket, then?"

"Uh!" she said, using the sound as an exclamation of disgust,
"I'll not argue with you," and therewith arose to leave the
table.

"Say," he said, rising, putting a note of determination in his
voice which caused her to delay her departure, "what's the matter
with you of late? Can't I talk with you any more?"

"Certainly, you can TALK with me," she replied, laying emphasis
on the word.

"Well, you wouldn't think so by the way you act. Now, you want
to know when I'll be ready--not for a month yet. Maybe not
then."

"We'll go without you."