"No. It is impossible, since you have chosen to act in this way. Come, you silly girl, be sensible, and—"
"Silly girl! Oh, yes, silly girl," flashed out Chaldea. "And what is she?"
"She?" Lambert stiffened himself. "What do you mean?"
"I mean the Gentile lady. I was under the window this afternoon. I heard all you were talking about."
The man stepped back a pace and clenched his hands. "You—listened?" he asked slowly, and with a very white face.
Chaldea nodded with a triumphant smile.
"Avali! And why not? You have no right to love another man's romi."
"I do not love her," began Lambert, and then checked himself, as he really could not discuss so delicate a matter with this wildcat. "Why did you listen, may I ask?" he demanded, passing his tongue over his dry lips.
"Because I love you, and love is jealous."
Lambert restrained himself by a violent effort from shaking her. "You are talking nonsense," he declared with enforced calmness. "And it is ridiculous for you to love a man who does not care in the least for you."