Hardy seemed about to speak and then thought better of it, and said nothing.
“Of course I shall not go,” began Anita, and Pauline interrupted her with:
“You go! I should say not! Why should you?”
“Why shouldn’t I, if I choose?” returned Anita, and her pink cheeks burned rosy. “I am my own mistress, I have my own money. I am as free to go as you are.”
“Of course you are,” said Pauline, coldly. “Only please advise me on what steamer you are sailing.”
“That you may take another,” and Anita laughed shortly. “But I may prefer to go on the one you do. Aren’t you rather suddenly anxious to leave this country?”
Pauline faced her. “Anita Frayne,” she said, “if you suspect me of crime, I would rather you said so definitely, than to fling out these continual innuendoes. Do you?”
“I couldn’t say that Pauline. But there are,—there certainly are some things to be explained regarding your interview with your aunt on Tuesday night. You know, I heard you in her room.”
“Your speech, Anita, is that of a guilty conscience. As you well know, I saw you come from her room at the hour you accuse me of being there.”
“Let up, girls,” said Haviland; “you only make trouble by that sort of talk.”