"Were you not?" answered Eustace nonchalantly. "Rather an oversight on your part, seeing that Errington and myself have been close friends all our lives."
An angry colour glowed in Cleopatra's swarthy face as she detected a covert insolence in this reply, but, having a sharp tongue of her own, she lost no time in answering.
"Ah! I see, like does not always draw to like."
"Certainly not in this case, but the reverse is true. I am not a bit like Errington in any way. For example, I can always take care of myself."
"And Sir Guy cannot, I suppose?"
"Not when there's a woman in the case, as there is now."
Mrs. Veilsturm had never liked Eustace, as he knew more about her former life than she cared he should, but being an eminently diplomatic woman she had always treated him as a friend. Now, however, she saw that his attitude was distinctly hostile, and prepared to give battle. They were now matching their wits against one another, and each knew it would take wonderful skill and cautious dealing in order to come off victor in such a remarkably equal contest.
"I don't understand you," said Mrs. Veilsturm, after a pause.
"Try," responded Eustace curtly.
"Why should I?"