“You lie—I don’t! I know her, that’s enough. If you have told her my story——”
“If?” he repeated, coolly.
“I may add a last chapter to it, in which you’ll figure—that’s all.”
He was a little startled, I could see, but retained his sang froid, with an effort.
“You jump too much to conclusion, my good fellow. I have said nothing to her about your little affair with Modred as yet.”
“That means you intend to hold it over my head as a menace where she is concerned. I know you.”
“Then you know a very charming fellow. Why, what a dolt you are! Here’s a pother because I play cavalier to a girl whom you throw over in a fit of sulks. I couldn’t do less in common decency.”
“Take care that you do no more. I’m not the only one to reckon with in this business.”
“A fig for that!” he cried, snapping his fingers. “I’m not to be coerced into taking second place if I have a fancy for first.”
“I warn you; that’s enough. For the rest, let’s understand one another. I’ll have no more of this sham for convention’s sake. We’re enemies, and we’ll be known for enemies. My door’s shut to you. Keep out of my way and think twice before you make me desperate.”