"Yes," said Courtney. "I'll see him at the house."
"Thank you," said Richard. And he resumed his careful mixing of two powders in a small brass mortar.
She went, returned, stood where she could see his profile. "You give me your word of honor you'll not interfere with him in any way?"
Dick smiled without suspending work with the pestle. "Certainly," said he. "On my honor I'll not leave this room until you telephone me that I may." His smile broadened into a laugh that made her extremely uncomfortable, though it was pleasant enough.
"I didn't think you cared about me or him—or anything but your chemistry," she said in self-defense. "I asked simply as a precaution. I felt I owed it to him and to the boy."
"I laughed—you'll pardon me—because he's such a shallow pup. I never think of you two that I don't think of Titania and Nick."
As he tossed this lightly over his shoulder, she was hopelessly at a disadvantage. She was scarlet and shaking with anger. No return thrust occurring to her, she flung a furious glance into his back and departed, with about all the joy out of her anticipations of the meeting. Instead of telephoning from the house, she ascended to the apartment over the laboratory and by the direct wire there got the Phibbs Hotel in Fenton. A few minutes, and Basil was at the other end. "Come to the house here, instead," said she. "At the same time—two o'clock."
A silence, then his voice, "No. You come over."
"I can't do it. And I'd not ask you if I weren't sure. I'll explain when I see you."
"There's an especial reason why I want you here," urged he.