Taking the remarks to herself, Ray threw up her head indignantly.
"I deny the imputation that I'm gross."
The lawyer laughed.
"You are far too healthy to worry. Moreover, you have nothing to worry about. If a man you loved were six thousand miles away——"
"Yes," interrupted Helen; "that's it. Only those who care for each other can understand——"
"Oh, of course!" retorted her sister, flaring up. "We spinsters, belonging, as we do, to the sisterhood of the Great Unloved, are quite incompetent to express an intelligent opinion on that or on any other matter. I grant that, but is Mr. Steell, a confirmed old bachelor, any more competent than I?"
"Hardly an old bachelor!" interrupted Helen reprovingly.
"No—middle-aged bachelor!" corrected Ray saucily. "He never cared for a woman in his life. He——"
"Who told you so?" inquired the lawyer quickly, with an amused twinkle in his eye.
Ray colored visibly.