"Has it never occurred to you," he said, "that you lead a very unprotected existence here?"
Something in his expression checked her first impulse to resent the question. Her lip quivered unexpectedly.
"Now and then," she said.
"Are you a man-hater?" he asked deliberately.
She laughed a little.
"Why do you ask such an absurd question?"
He seemed to hesitate momentarily.
"Because—forgive me—wouldn't you be a good deal happier if you were to marry again?"
Again her colour rose hotly. What did the man mean by assuming this attitude? Was he about to plead his own cause, or that of another?
"I think it exceedingly doubtful," she replied stiffly, meeting his steady eyes with a hint of defiance.