Leah shrugged away the speech. "Of course, you are prejudiced, because Demetrius loves me."
Mademoiselle Aksakoff fetched a long, deep breath. "Do not try me too far."
"Do you intend to assault me again?"
"No; I even apologise for the blow. I told Constantine this morning of my interview, and he said that I was wrong. It is for him to deal you justice and punishment."
"Punishment! Justice!" Leah laughed aloud in sheer rage at her inability to parry these insults. "And for what, pray?"
"Constantine will tell you."
"In that case I do not wish a second-hand judgment from you."
The two glared at one another, venomous and defiant. As usual, the younger woman's eyes fell first, and she retreated to the furthermost corner of the carriage, while Leah, pulling down her veil, tried to face this most disagreeable situation. Not another word did they exchange until the ducal servants branched off at Shenfield Junction, and they had to be publicly amiable. Then, again, silence reigned until their destination was reached. By that time Leah was more her old insolent self, and disposed to be unpleasant.
"Will yon drive or walk?" asked Katinka, coldly, when they alighted on the Southend platform.
"Walk, of course. I do not mind at all being recognised, since I have come to see your father on board this yacht."