She pushed the chair sharply back, and got up.
"Hold on!" cried Chesney as she turned away. He had listened to her without interruption, a most peculiar expression on his face. "Did I understand you to say that Sophy—that Mrs. Chesney, held out against the lot of 'em?"
"You did. I was one of the 'lot of 'em,' so I ought to know," replied Anne.
"She stood by me—in the face of all that pressure?"
"She stood up for what she believed in— I don't think that's you, just at present," said Anne viciously.
"Hold your tongue, spitfire, and let me think," returned Chesney, but without anger. He lay brooding deeply for some moments. Then he said: "Just go and ask Mrs. Chesney to come here a moment, will you?"
Anne consulted the bracelet watch.
"It's almost time for her to leave. Don't make her miss her train if I fetch her."
"I'll thank you to do what I ask!" said Chesney, looking dangerous. "It's not for you to make conditions when I wish to see my wife."
Anne glanced at him, then went meekly on the errand. She knew exactly when to insert bandelleros and when to apply balm.