"You will not accept it," interrupted Sandow with decision. Vexation was audible in his voice. "Why this haste? There must be other and better places to be found."
"The banker's family is one of the first in the town," remarked Gustave.
"And Mrs. Henderson one of the most insupportable women, who torments her entire household with her nerves and whims, and her companion is a perfect victim to them. No, Miss Frida, give up the idea. I will on no account agree to your taking this situation."
An almost imperceptible but triumphant smile played round Gustave's lips.
Frida stood speechless, her eyes on the ground; all the old awkwardness seemed to have returned with these words.
Sandow misunderstood her silence. He looked searchingly at her, and then continued more slowly--
"Of course I do not wish to control your wishes. If you want to leave us"--
"No! no!" cried Frida, so passionately that Gustave was obliged to make a warning sign to her, to remind her of the necessity of self-control.
She quickly collected herself, and said with a trembling voice--
"I am so much afraid of being tiresome to Miss Clifford."