"And so are running about out-of-doors late at night. Grandmamma ought to know this."
He had caught hold of her hand, which in vain struggled to get free. The short pipe in his mouth emitted clouds of white smoke around her. Its glowing bowl had been the fiery eye which had blinked at her so suspiciously.
"You are out yourself," she answered, biting her lips till her teeth ground together.
"That is a different thing. I am a robust fellow who can stand all weathers."
"So can I."
"Now, now."
"And if I can't, what does it matter? Nothing could be worse than my life is at present."
He made a sound of pity with his tongue. "Child, child," he said, "are we beating our wings again?"
"Oh, go away--leave me alone." And she warded him off with her elbows; she was not far from sobbing.
"Don't begin the old game, Hertha; I haven't done anything to you for a long time."