"I thought you derided presentiments, Beatrix."
She bit her lip.
"I do," she said, after a pause. "I know it is foolish, and I am ashamed of myself; but I dread this recital, to-night, and I dread that hateful Lloyd Avalons supper after it. Let's not go, Sidney."
"Oh, but we must. Why not?"
"They are such impossible people."
"I know; but everyone will understand that it is on Thayer's account that we go, Beatrix. And he made such a point of it."
She drew a long breath.
"If we must—But I dread it. Do keep Mr. Avalons away from me, then."
As he looked down at the brown head which scarcely rose above his lips, Lorimer's smile ceased to be whimsical and became inexpressibly tender and winning.
"Count on me, dear girl. He is a brute; but I won't let him go near you."