"I am sure he would not," said Judith. "I did once engage in something of that nature - in my wild salad days, you know - and fell under his gravest displeasure. I must decline therefore, for all I should like to accept your challenge."
"Conciliating!" Barbara said with a harsh little laugh. She saw Judith's eyes kindle, and said impulsively: "Now I've made you angry! I am glad! You look splendid just so! I could like you very well, I think."
"I hope you may," Judith replied formally.
"I will; but you must not be forbearing with me, if you please. There! I am behaving abominably, and I meant to be so good!"
She clasped Judith's hand briefly, allowed her a glimpse of her frank smile, and turned from her to greet Lavisse, who was coming towards her across the room.
He looked pale. He came stalking up to Barbara, and stood over her, not offering to take her hand, not even according her a bow. Their eyes were nearly on a level, hers full of mockery, his blazing with anger. He said under his breath: "Is it true, then?"
She chuckled. "This is in the style of a hero of romance, Etienne. It is true!"
"You have engaged yourself to this Colonel Audley? I would not believe!"
"Felicitate me!"
"Never! I do not wish you happy, I! I wish you only regret."