"You're not going, are you?" she enquired. "I am sorry I've been so long."
"I was going," he answered, "but perhaps it may not be necessary. I've come for your answer, Lavender. Which is it to be?"
"Come into the dining-room," she said, "and have a cigarette. What do you mean?"
"Which is it to be?" he repeated. "I put you to your choice yesterday. Do you choose to dismiss Mr. Ashley or me?"
"How silly you are!" she said good-humouredly. "Fancy your still harping on that string! You needn't meet Mr. Ashley, need you?"
"I can't help it," Sir Ross retorted; "the brute's always here. I've been shut up with him now for the last half-hour."
Mrs. Sinclair laughed, though in reality she was a little annoyed.
"How foolish of Lucille to put you into the same room! But it shall not occur again. It was the merest accident."
"I don't know about an accident," Sir Ross growled; "it was a misfortune. Lavender, I meant what I said yesterday; you must choose between this man and me. Are you going to send him about his business?"
"No," said Mrs. Sinclair obstinately; "I am not. What is it you object to in him?"