I shrugged.
She walked up and down the room like one distraught.
"Knowing that Roland is innocent would you dare to marry Mount?" I asked.
"It is too late!" she cried.
At this moment we were warned by a sound in the next room to pull ourselves together. The door opened and Mrs. Bleecker's fawning countenance appeared in the opening.
"Oh, I beg your pardon," she said, cringing. "I didn't know you were still engaged." She did not withdraw, however, but favoured me with a good, long stare.
I never saw the gentle Irma so angry. "Leave the room!" she commanded. "I told you I was not to be disturbed!"
If she had always taken the same tone with that woman it would have been better for her. Mrs. Bleecker precipitately retired.
Irma continued to pace the floor. "What shall I do?" she murmured, twisting her hands together. "I have not the strength to face him out."
"Don't try," I suggested.