“You needn't assume I've been asinine just because I happen to be in a mess!” snapped Antonia.
“I don't. I assume it because I know you awfully well, my child. What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you weren't on speaking terms with Arnold.”
“I wasn't. But something happened, and I wanted to see him at once, so I came down -”
He interrupted her. “What happened?”
“Well, that's private. Anyway -”
“Cut out the anyway,” returned her cousin. “You've called me in to act for you, Tony, and you must take me into your confidence.”
She set her elbows on the table and leaned her chin on her clasped hands, frowning. “I can't, altogether. However, I don't mind telling you that my reason for wanting to see Arnold was because he's started to interfere with my life again, and that made me see red.”
“What had he done?”
“Written me a stinking letter about -” She stopped. “About my engagement,” she said after a moment.
“I didn't know you were engaged,” remarked Giles. “Who is it this time?”