“What nonsense!” cried he, with an attempt at good humor. “Where’ll you stay?”
“Here for the present.”
“Do you think the Kinnears will harbor you?”
“I’m always welcome here.”
“As my daughter. But just as soon as they—any of the people you know, for that matter—find out that I regard anyone who’s receiving you as abetting you in your folly and disobedience——”
“The Kinnears are my friends,” said Beatrice coldly. “You exaggerate yourself, papa—or, rather, your money.”
Richmond laughed—a vain, imperious, ugly laugh. “I can make the old woman upstairs put you out of the house in two minutes—and Allie will be afraid to speak to you.”
Beatrice gave a disdainful smile.
“These Kinnears—and about everyone you know—have large investments in the things I control.” And his tone and the twinkle in his eyes made the words conjure dire visions of possible catastrophe.
“Oh!” exclaimed Beatrice, paling. She looked at him with startled eyes. “I see.... I see.” She was calm and self-contained again. “I must not get my friends into trouble. Yes—I’ll leave at once. I’ll go to a hotel.”