"I hope you were manly enough to defend your wife. Where did you see Lambert?"
"I saw him in town."
"I shouldn't listen to silly gossip from Lambert, and I shouldn't see Lambert again."
"How long have you been adviser as to whom I had better or better not see?" asked MacBirney contemptuously.
"You will find me a good adviser on some points in your affairs, and that is one."
"If you value your advice highly, you should part with it sparingly."
"I know what you value highly; and if Robert Kimberly finds out you are consorting with Lambert it will end your usefulness in his combinations very suddenly."
The thrust, severe in any event, was made keener by the fact that it frightened him into rage. "Since you come from a family that has made such a brilliant financial showing--" he began.
"Oh, I know," she returned wearily, "but you had better take care." He looked at his wife astounded. "You have insulted me enough," she added calmly, "about the troubles of my father. The 'first five years' are at an end. I have spoiled you, Walter, by taking your abuse so long without striking back and I won't do it any more."
"What do you mean?" he cried, springing from his chair. "Do you think you are to keep your doors bolted against me for six months at a time and then browbeat and abuse me when I come into your room to talk to you? Who paid for these clothes you wear?" he demanded, pointing in a fury.