Cope's response was dry and meagre; free speech was impossible over a
lodging-house telephone set in the public hall. Amy, who knew little of
Cope's immediate surroundings at the moment, went on in accents of protest
and of grievance, and Cope went on replying in a half-hushed voice as non-
committally as he was able. He dwelt more and more on the trying details of
his work in words which conveyed no additional information to any fellow-
dwellers who might overhear.
"You haven't been to see me for a week," came Amy's voice petulantly,
indignantly.
"I'm very sorry, I'm sure," returned Cope in a carefully generalized tone
of suavity. It was successful with the spinster in the side room above, but
it was no tone to use with a protesting _fiancee_.
"Why do you neglect me so?" Amy's voice proceeded, with no shade of
appeasement.
"There is no intention of that," replied Cope; "--so far as I know," he
added, for ears about or above.
Again Amy's tone changed. It took on a tang of anger, and also a curious
ring of finality--as if, suddenly, a last resolution had been reached.
"Good night," she said abruptly, and the interview was over.
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