“I'm not angry,” Festing rejoined.
“Well, I am,” said Helen. “And I think I have some grounds. Must I let those tipsy gossips dictate when I may see my friends?”
“Does it matter if you see them or not? You don't really care for Bob.”
“No,” said Helen, trying to be calm. “In a way, I don't care for Bob; that is, I'm glad I didn't marry him. But I don't see why I should stop him coming here when Sadie wants to bring him. She's my friend, and she knows it does Bob good. I'm too angry to flatter you, Stephen, but you have some influence—”
Festing laughed. “All the influence I've got won't go far with Bob. I don't say the fellow's vicious, but he's an extravagant slacker and a fool, which is perhaps as bad. Anyhow, if he can be reformed at all, it's Sadie's business, and I've no doubt she finds it an arduous job. There's no use in an outsider meddling, and your anxiety for his improvement might be misunderstood. In fact, it has been seriously misunderstood.”
“You seem to have made up your mind about the matter,” Helen remarked with a curious look.
“I have. Perhaps the easiest way would be for you to give Sadie a hint.”
“Suppose I refuse?”
“Then I shall have to talk to Bob. After all, that might be better.”
Helen flushed, but her color faded and her face got white. “You are willing to let this scurrilous gossip influence you as far as that? Do you mean to forbid my friends coming to see me?”