"You'd dare——?"
"I would like you to understand that this cabin is mine—while I am in Black Rock. Any guest here comes at my invitation and honors me by accepting my hospitality. But I reserve the privilege of saying who shall come and who shall not. I hope I make myself clear——" And Peter bowed low and then moved aside, indicating the door. "Good-night," he finished.
Miss Peggy McGuire glared at him, red as a young turkey cock, her finishing school training just saving her from a tirade. "Oh, you! We'll see about this——" and dashed past him out of the door and disappeared into the darkness.
Peter followed her with his angry gaze, struggling for his self-control, and at last turned into the room toward Beth, who now stood a smiling image turned into stone.
"Why did you deny what I said, Beth?" he pleaded.
"It wasn't the truth. I never promised to marry you. You never asked me to."
"I would have asked you. I ask you now. I was asking you when that little fool came in——"
"Maybe you were. Maybe you weren't. Maybe I'm a little hard of hearin'. But I'm not goin' to make that an excuse for my bein' here——"
"I don't understand——"
"It's just that I came here because I wanted to come and because you wanted me. People have been talkin'. Let them talk. Let her talk——"