“‘Swallow a mouthful,’ I said, with a bitter smile.
“She looked at me with sudden intentness. Her eyes, full of wild inquiry, seemed attempting to read into my very soul.
“‘Perhaps you object to drinking after me, as the children say,’ I added—this time with a species of sneer, and a flash of the eye, I think.
“‘Oh, no!’ she exclaimed, with an attempt to laugh; ‘and to show you—’
“With a quick movement she attempted—as though by accident—to strike the waiter with her elbow, in order to overturn the cup.
“But the old servant was too well trained. The lady’s elbow struck the waiter, but the skilful attendant withdrew it quickly. Not a drop of the tea was spilled.
“A moment afterward I was beside madam.
“‘I pray you to drink,’ I said.
“‘I can not—I feel unwell,’ she murmured, cowering beneath the fire in my eye.
“‘I beg you to drink from this cup.’