“Not a little jealous?” he persisted playfully.
“Jealous?” Then with a frown, hesitatingly: “Well, she is given prominence in the plays and––”
“––You would not be subordinated, if she were not in the company? Apart from this, you are fond of her?”
The foot ceased its tracing and rested firmly on the floor.
“I hate her!” snapped Susan, angered by this baiting. No sooner had she spoken than she regretted her outburst. “How you draw one out! I was only joking––though she does have the best parts and we take what we can get!”
“But she’s a lovely girl!” concluded the land baron. Susan’s eyes flashed angrily.
“How clever of you! You twist and turn one’s 132 words about and give them a different meaning from what was intended. If I wanted to catch you up––”
“A truce!” he exclaimed. “Let us take each other seriously, hereafter. Is it agreed?” She nodded. “Well, seriously, you can help me and help yourself.”
“How?” doubtfully.
“Why not be allies?”