'Well, from all I can learn, it does appear to me that you behaved in a damned shabby way to Fricker. I've not a word to say for you there, not one.'
The answer was so unexpected, so true, so honest, that Trix's laughter rang out in genuine merriment for the first time for many days.
'And when old Fricker saw his chance, I don't wonder that he gave you a nasty dig. It was pure business with Fricker—and you went back on him all along the line!'
She looked at him with eyes still newly mirthful. He had dismissed Beaufort Chance and Mervyn contemptuously enough; one had sought to barter where no barter should be; the other had lost his prize because he did not know how to value it. But when Airey spoke of Fricker's wrongs, there was real and convinced indignation in his voice; in Fricker's interest he did not spare the woman he loved.
'How funny!' she said. 'I've never felt very guilty about Mr. Fricker.'
'You ought to. That was worst of all, in my opinion,' he insisted.
'Well, I was afraid you'd quite acquitted me! Should you be always throwing Mr. Fricker in my face?'
'On occasions probably. I can't resist a good argumentative point. You've got the safe and the red book, you know.'
'I'd sooner die than remind you of them.'