"I've already told you. There's that in me which is too strong for my will. And the one man that could help me—won't."
He tossed his great tawny head in signal of annoyance. "Tommyrot! You like it. You've got a cruel streak. That's the whole explanation."
"I haven't," she denied, with rising indignation. "I'm too tender-hearted. That's half my trouble. When I meet a nice man who is hungry for my kisses I can't deny him."
"And after you've given you cut his throat or blow his brains out. You are a national menace. You should be either locked up or banished."
She rose, and the hound beside her pressed against her legs.
"Are you going to Bellingdown?" she inquired, ignoring his outbreak. "Kitty tells me she has asked you."
"I'm not sure. Are you?"
"Yes—on Thursday."
"Then I'll not," he said decisively. "No house is big enough for both of us at the same time."
"I'll promise not to eat you," she smiled.