Claudia found this and similar hints maddening, but when she carried her indignation to Fenwick, he was disposed to take his sister’s side.
“She has rather a peremptory manner,” was the utmost he would allow. “It’s only manner. She’s had to pilot old Leslie along, and very well she’s done it.”
“I dare say. But I don’t require piloting,” said Claudia stiffly.
Fenwick smiled, and her colour rose.
“What do you mean?”
“By what?”
“By looking like that.”
He rose and stretched his arms.
“My dear Claudia, you’re in an aggressive humour to-day.”
Her heart smote her. “I believe I was cross,” she said with difficulty. “I thought that she—Gertrude—treated me as if I was a child.”