King started to his feet, and viewed the girl in amazement. Her brow was furrowed, and the eyes in her white face blazed.
"Speak," she insisted.
A flood of color rushed to the man's very forehead as he realized her open enmity. In silence they stood thus for a moment.
"I refuse to answer you," he said at last.
Her gaze swept him scornfully. "It is what I expected." Then she turned to her sister, speaking gently. "Settle it between you now, Harriet. I suppose I may dispose of my own, and you know my wishes. They won't change."
After she had gone out, Harriet seized Bertram's hand as he stood dazed.
"Forgive her, Bertram," she said anxiously. "I do believe she's nearly crazy."
He sat down again, very pale, and with no comment proceeded to sort his papers.
Miss Barry's earrings were trembling, and she thought with longing of the peace of her "Gull's Nest."