Michael kicked angrily the dead leaves lying about his feet, and almost choked with astonished fury.
“Why, my dear girl, he’s absolutely barred. He’s as unpopular as anybody I know. I hope you won’t discuss me with that hulking brute. What the deuce right has he got to tell you anything about me?”
“Because I asked him, and you needn’t look so enraged, because if you want to know why you’re coming to tea, it’s because I asked Arthur——”
“Who’s Arthur?” growled Michael.
“Arthur Drake.”
“Go on,” said Michael icily.
“I shan’t go on, if you look like that.”
“I can’t help how I look. I don’t carry a glass round with me,” said Michael. “So I suppose this worm Drake had the cheek to tell your mother I was all right. Drake! Wait till I see the brute on Monday morning.”
“Well, if you take my advice,” said Lily, “you’ll be nice to him, because he’s supposed to have introduced us.”
“What lies! What lies!” Michael stamped.