Then she began to gather up her things.
"How are you getting home ?" she asked.

"It is two o'clock, and raining." "I am going to walk," I answered.
"But that is absurd," she protested.

"I have a closed carriage here.

I insist that you let me drive you.

It is only common humanity; and you have that great box too." I buttoned up my coat.
"Mrs.Smith-Lessing," I said, "you perhaps wish to force me into seeming ungracious.