He did not quite know what the laugh meant, but now his old eyes were roaming over the beauty that was yet hers, and memory was stirring, and something made him reckless.
“Don’t speak of it like that,” he pleaded drawing a little nearer. “I know I didn’t perhaps treat you quite well; but if there are any amends I can make now?—If you will let us be friends again?—”
“Amends—amends. What do I want with amends from such as you?” And her eyes flashed dangerously. He retreated quickly, with a hurt, rather cowed expression.
“Well, Fate has thrown us together again and I am still a bachelor—and I have money—”
“Do please try not to insult me any further.”
Lorraine had grown calmer, though the dangerous look was still in her eyes, and she moved away to the window, leaving a large space between them, and half-turned her back to him.
“I have already burnt the epistle I received from Mrs. Hermon—its insults were too utterly foolish to notice. You may go back and tell her her son has never received any harm from me, and I absolutely decline to discuss the question any further. As for yourself—you will doubtless find a taxi on the rank, just outside.”
“But, my dear lady, I cannot go back leaving the matter like that.”
He grew emboldened again, now that he could not see her eyes.
“I am here to plead on Alymer’s behalf. If you are fond of him, you must at least listen to reason for his sake.”