At his "devilish motherly" she laughed out—her ringing, contralto laugh, that was so delicious and that made him want to shake her and to kiss her violently, at one and the same time.
"'Devilish motherly'...." she repeated. "I'm sorry I remind you of Medea—she's the only person I can think of who was 'devilish motherly' ..."
Before Loring could reply, Bobby's voice broke in, austere and haughty.
"My muvvah is not deviliss," he said.
Loring went round beside him.
"Bully for you, General!" he exclaimed. "You'd fight a duel with me this minute, if you could—wouldn't you?"
Bobby pressed close to Sophy. He refused to yield Loring his other hand.
"Please go away," he said coldly. "I don't want you."
"Well ... your 'muvvah' don't want me either."
"No. She wants me," said Bobby.