"I was perfectly polite, permit me to remind you, Madge."
"Don't call me by my Christian name," she said as usual, "well then, Michael went away to have an explanation with you, and later telegraphed to me that you had gone to Devonshire and that he intended to follow at once. He also asked us to come down that we might see the Pixy's House, as we intend to repair it when we marry."
"Do you indeed?" muttered Haskins ironically.
"Of course," said Mrs. Crosbie, with an airy flutter of her laces, "and I may tell you, Gerald, that I came down the more willingly, since I do not want you and Michael to quarrel. That is why we are here."
"To see the house, and to prevent a quarrel," said Gerald coolly. "I am greatly obliged to you for the trouble you have taken, Mrs. Crosbie, but I have already seen the Major."
Mrs. Berch, who had hitherto kept silence, looked up sharply. "Have you had a quarrel?" she demanded eagerly.
"Yes and no. Rebb was slightly difficult to deal with, but we now understand one another."
Mrs. Crosbie asked: "What about?"
"About various things," answered Haskins carelessly. He was determined not to answer her questions, as he had a vague idea that she was not so honestly his friend as she pretended to be.
"And you parted amiably, I hope?" said Mrs. Berch.