CHAPTER XIV.
THE TIGER SHOWS HER CLAWS
After this very chilling reception at the hands of the object of his affection, Edward Cossey continued his drive in an even worse temper than before. He reached his rooms, had some luncheon, and then in pursuance of a previous engagement went over to the Oaks to see Mrs. Quest.
He found her waiting for him in the drawing-room. She was standing at the window with her hands behind her, a favourite attitude of hers. As soon as the door was shut, she turned, came up to him, and grasped his hand affectionately between her own.
“It is an age since I have seen you, Edward,” she said, “one whole day. Really, when I do not see you, I do not live, I only exist.”
He freed himself from her clasp with a quick movement. “Really, Belle,” he said impatiently, “you might be a little more careful than to go through that performance in front of an open window—especially as the gardener must have seen the whole thing.”
“I don’t much care if he did,” she said defiantly. “What does it matter? My husband is certainly not in a position to make a fuss about other people.”
“What does it matter?” he said, stamping his foot. “What does it not matter? If you have no care for your good name, do you suppose that I am indifferent to mine?”
Mrs. Quest opened her large violet eyes to the fullest extent, and a curious light was reflected from them.
“You have grown wonderfully cautious all of a sudden, Edward,” she said meaningly.
“What is the use of my being cautious when you are so reckless? I tell you what it is, Belle. We are talked of all over this gossiping town, and I don’t like it, and what is more, once and for all, I won’t have it. If you will not be more careful, I will break with you altogether, and that is the long and short of it.”