“Katharine!” Alexander felt all his anger of the previous day rising again.
“Yes—what is it?” She seemed to have come nearer to the door.
“I told you. I wish to speak to you.”
“Yes—I know. But you can’t unless you’ll say it through the door.”
“Katharine! Don’t exasperate me!”
“I’m not trying to. I understood that you didn’t wish to see me for some days. If you’d sent me word, I should have been ready to receive you. As it is, I can’t.”
“You know perfectly well that you can, in ten minutes, if you please. I shall send your mother to you.”
“Oh—very well. I’ve not seen her this morning. But you’d better not wait till I’m dressed. It will take a long time.”
“Very well,” answered Alexander Junior, who had completely lost his temper by this time.
A moment later Katharine heard the sharp click of the lock, and the rattle as the key was withdrawn. She never used it, having a bolt on the inside.