The caution was apparently unnecessary, for Jack did not show the slightest inclination to smash anything. He sat down as good as gold.
"You are a remarkably interesting woman," he said; "and as I never thought you a fool, I should really like to know why you did that."
"The immediate cause was a bad one," she said, "for it was that I was angry with Marie, and wanted to hurt her."
"Then, can you afford to quarrel with Marie—and me?" he asked.
Lady Brereton began to think that she was almost wasting her time. She was aware, however, that her answer was critical, and gave it intense, though rapid, consideration.
"Easily," she said. "Why not?"
Jack raised his eyes to her face; she saw their frightened appeal, and knew that she had won.
"Ah, you are tired of it all," he said.
"You can make me wish I had never seen you if you behave obtusely," she said.
"What have I done?"