"I don't think you quite get me, Helen," he heard himself say, with icy sharpness. "I wanted to see Hilmer _myself! I had a business proposition to put up to him. I want co-operation—not questionable charity!"
She flung back her head, but her voice lacked defiance as she said:
"Was that meant as an insult?"
"No," he returned, quietly, "as a warning."
She stood silent, facing him with that clear, disarming gaze that she knew how to achieve so perfectly. He felt a great yearning overwhelm him … a desire to meet her halfway … a vagrant displeasure at his ill-natured irritation.
"How is Mrs. Hilmer?" he asked, suddenly, as he reached for his hat.
She shrugged. "There isn't any change," she replied, almost inaudibly.
"Shall I bring you anything from the apartment?"
"No… I'll go myself this afternoon and get some things together… I need a little air, anyway." She followed him to the door. "Then I understand you don't want this?" she inquired, indicating the check in her hand.
His only answer was an incredulous stare.