“I will not endure it,” he stormed. “Do you hear, sir? You address this lady as dear—explain!”
She saved Bobbie the trouble.
“This is Mr. Selsbury, my cousin.” Diana was dangerously quiet. Probably Mr. Dempsi, from his long acquaintance with her, recognised the signs.
“Ah! Your cousin! I see the likeness. The same beautiful eyes, the same firm but gentle mouth. The slight figure, the lovely hand——”
Bobbie was annoyed.
“Thank you very much, but when you’ve finished cataloguing my features and describing my delectable points, perhaps you’ll tell me who you are?”
He was antagonistic, and he needed no introduction. For he knew the bearded man, and shared the spurious Gordon’s resentment and utter dislike.
“This is Mr. Dempsi,” said Diana. “You’ve heard me speak of him?”
There was an appeal in her eyes which Bobbie could not resist. He made a show of being happy to meet Mr. Dempsi. As an effort of simulation it was a failure.
“Won’t you change your coat, Wop—Wopsy—upstairs?” she suggested.