"You must let me in."
The bolt shot back. "All right. And please unhook my dress—there's a dear."
Susan opened the door, stood on the threshold, all her dark passion in her face. "Ruth!" she cried.
Ruth had turned her back, in readiness for the service the need of which had alone caused her to unbolt the door. At that swift, fierce ejaculation she started, wheeled round. At sight of that wild anger she paled. "Why, Susie!" she gasped.
"I've found you out!" raged Susan. "You're trying to steal him from me—you and Aunt Fanny. It isn't fair! I'll not stand it!"
"What are you talking about?" cried Ruth. "You must have lost your senses."
"I'll not stand it," Susan repeated, advancing threateningly "He loves me and I love him."
Ruth laughed. "You foolish girl! Why, he cares nothing about you.
The idea of your having your head turned by a little politeness!"
"He loves me he told me so. And I love him. I told him so. He's mine! You shan't take him from me!"
"He told you he loved you?"