"Afraid!" The sound of the word made Beatrice fling back her head with a proud gesture. "I am afraid of nothing and no one, Major Ruck. I know how to protect myself."
"I hope you will know how to protect Mr. Paslow."
"What do you mean?"
"That can be explained after tea. Do pour out the tea, Miss Hedge; it is so pleasant to see a lady officiate."
Beatrice deliberately walked to the table and poured out a cup of tea for the Major, which she handed to him along with a plate of delicate cakes. "Will you not take one yourself?" said Ruck winningly; "it is not drugged."
Beatrice, although her heart was beating loudly, walked back to the table with a gay laugh. "You do not give me time," she said. "I am not at all afraid of drugs," and she filled herself a cup which she sipped with great enjoyment. When she also began to eat a cake, the Major smacked his leg with a look of admiration.
"Upon my word, Miss Hedge, you are plucky and no mistake. I wish you would marry me."
"Thanks; but I have no wish to."
"We should do great things together," urged Ruck.
"Doubtless; but you see I have an aversion to appearing in a police-court, Major Ruck. By the way, why did you not tell me that Mr. Paslow had appeared in one?"