“I had to, Christopher. I couldn’t sit still and have everyone so sweet and not raise a finger to help.”
The other sighed.
“Well, it’s done now,” he said. “I suppose you won’t let me take it up with the brute.”
“Take what up?” said Audrey.
“This letter, of course.”
“But it’s unexceptionable,” said Audrey. “That’s what’s so clever. He stepped out and met me on my own ground. It may be out of bounds, but I can’t curse him for that. I chose it. . . . Besides, if it comes to that, he may be bluffing: but if I like to call his bluff, I’ll bet he pays. And he stands to lose a bit.”
“‘Lose’?” screamed Christopher. “Oh, the girl’s mad. ‘Lose’?”
“It’s a sporting offer,” said Audrey. “You can’t get away from that. And that’s the strongest card in a very strong hand, my friend. If I turn it down——”
“ ‘If,’ ” cried Christopher John. “You don’t mean to say you’re even contemplating doing anything else?”
“It’s been done before,” said Audrey. “Lady Godiva was a sport.”