'You women are generally hopeless in business, but I expected better things from you. Now let's come to the point. What have you done for the Frickers?'
Reluctantly brought to the point, Trix recounted with all possible amplitude what she considered she had done. Her hand was often on the letter as she spoke. At the end, with a quick glance at Beaufort, she said:—
'And really that's all I can do. They're too impossible, you know.'
He rose and stood on the hearthrug.
'That's all you can do?' he asked in a level smooth voice.
'Yes. Oh, a few more big squashes, perhaps. But it's nonsense talking of the Glentorlys or of any of Mrs. Bonfill's really nice evenings.'
'It's not nonsense. You could do it if you liked. You know Mrs. Bonfill, anyhow, would do it to please you; and I believe the Glentorlys would too.'
'Well, then, I don't like,' said Trix Trevalla.
He frowned heavily and seemed as if he were going to break out violently. But he waited a moment, and then spoke calmly again. The truth is that Fricker's interests were nothing to him. They might go, provided he could show that he had done his best for them; but doing his best must not involve sacrificing his own chances.
'So much for Fricker! I must say you've a cool way with you, Trix.'