"Are you? I'm rather surprised it does. I don't know why it should, you see."
Irene turned her shoulder on him with emphasised impatience. What right had he to find it dull? Did Bowdon also find it dull? Then came the worst irritation—the admission that it was dull. She turned back to Ashley with a sudden twist.
"What right have you to expect to be always amused?" she demanded.
"None; but I suppose I may mention it when I'm not," said he.
"Do you know what you remind me of? You'll be angry if I tell you."
"Then I couldn't deprive you of the pleasure of telling me, Lady Bowdon."
"You're like a drunkard put on lemonade," she said with a vicious little laugh.
Ashley made no immediate answer; he looked at her with lifted brows; then he also laughed.
"The metaphor's rather strong," said he, "but—if you like!"