Margaret looks at her. It suddenly occurs to her what a blessed thought that was of hers to take him out of hearing to the far end of the room.
"You heard that, then?"
Tita starts and turns crimson.
"Oh, that!" stammers she. "Well, I—I couldn't help it. I was near the door, and he spoke very loudly, and——"
"And you heard," says Margaret, suppressing some amusement. "Quite so. Well, you did leave him, you see."
"Not until he drove me to it by his cruelty, his wicked suspicions.
You know that, Margaret."
"Oh! I know he behaved like a stupid boy," says Margaret impatiently.
"Ah, darling Meg! I knew you would take my part."
"And you," mercilessly, "behaved like a silly baby."
Tita flings herself into a chair with a petulant gesture.