She was instantly ready to fight. "I suppose you blame me for this scene."
"I think you are hasty, and a little unreasonable. I know Curtis by reputation, and he is above any petty malice."
"You are taking his side against me!"
"Not at all, Bee Bee, I am merely trying to show you—"
"He looked at me as no man ever dared to look before, and I hate him. He thinks because he has a little authority he can lord it over us all here. I shall write to father at once, telling him just how this little prig of a lieutenant—"
"Captain," interrupted Lawson—"for distinguished service."
His smile made her furious. She flung herself back on the divan. "Go away. I hate you, too."
Lawson, at the end of his patience, went out and closed the door behind him. "What is the matter with the girl?" he said to Mrs. Wilcox. "I've seen her in temper, but never like this. She has taken the most violent antagonism to Curtis."
"She'd better let that young man alone," replied Mrs. Wilcox, sagely. "He has a very firm mouth."