Betty shook her head decisively.
"I shall undertake no more at present." There was finality in her tone, and her expression had hardened. "As I have explained, my time is not at my own disposal and I am late now for an engagement. If you will permit me—"
"But surely you will not relinquish the work without a reason! If your other duties interfere, perhaps some arrangement can be made—"
"My other duties concern no one but myself!" Betty retorted, in a flash of temper which instantly subsided. "I do not wish, for reasons of my own, to continue with this work and nothing further remains to be said. Good afternoon, Mr. Ross."
"Wait, please." His tone was quiet, but there was a compelling quality in it which halted Betty against her will. "Something has occurred to annoy you and make the work distasteful. Won't you tell me what it is that I may take steps to remedy it? Surely you owe me an explanation."
"The work is not distasteful; it has merely ceased to interest me. In undertaking it I assumed no obligations to continue it indefinitely, Mr. Ross, and I do not feel that any explanation is due from me."
"Is it that meddling old fool Carmody?" Ross demanded. "Has he offended you in any way?"
"By no means. I am not offended in the least, I have simply changed my mind. My secretarial work is sufficient occupation."
"But you were so absorbed, so enthusiastic about the translation." His eyes narrowed and he leaned forward. "I cannot believe that it has ceased to interest you; it must be more suitable for a young woman of your attainments, more congenial than the task to which you have been assigned."
There was no mistaking the deliberate intent in his tone and Betty countered swiftly.