“Do I understand that you walked on the terrace alone with Mr. Dundas?” she asked in a peculiarly chilly voice.
Madge showed no surprise; she had known what was coming.
“Yes, we took a turn or two,” she said.
Her mother sat down; Madge had not turned from the window and was still looking out.
“Kindly attend, Madge,” she said. “It was very indiscreet, and you know it. I don’t think Mr. Home liked it.”
Of the girl who had talked so eagerly and naturally to Evelyn on the terrace there was hardly a trace; Madge’s face had grown nearly as hard as her mother’s.
“I am not bound just yet to do all Mr. Home likes,” she said.
“You are bound, if you are a sensible creature, at all events not to run any risks, especially now.”
Madge turned away from the window.
“You mean until the bargain is completed. Supposing I refuse?” she said, and there was a little tremor in her voice, partly of contempt, partly of fear.