“Can you not see,” she continued, emphasizing every word and speaking in a hard, metallic tone, “that Nannie's position in society calls for certain expenditures which are far beyond your means? As a woman of fashion she will be obliged to keep a carriage and maintain a style of living which would eat up your monthly salary in half a day. She has a suitor of abundant means, a millionaire several times over—Mr. Harding. He is infatuated with her and he will give her everything she can desire.”
“But he is a very bad man,” said Steve simply.
“Oh, well—really, Mr. Loveland, please don't push me into a discussion of such matters. Few men are saints, and I think he'll make a good husband. He is very rich and he moves in the best circles.”
“Does Nannie love him?” asked Steve, and his voice and manner had changed. He spoke very firmly.
“Mr. Loveland, you exhaust me! Some of us who have reached maturity have the good sense to provide for material advantages and take the rest for granted.”
“If Nannie loves Mr. Harding and wishes me to withdraw in his favor, I will do so.”
“I don't!” said a curt voice, and looking around with a start, Mrs. Lamont beheld her dutiful niece between the portières.
For a moment nothing was said, but Nannie's appearance did not portend peace. Her eyes looked out wickedly from beneath her curls, and her impish mouth was pursed up in an expression already familiar to her aunt.
“Leave the room instantly!” cried Mrs. Lamont at last with rising anger.
“I won't!” said Nannie shortly.