"Aren't you unduly sensitive! She hasn't done anything but be nice to him."
"She has done enough to provoke talk and 'set the old tabby-cats mewing,' as Devereux says—he heard them mewing at the Croydens. I don't like it, Gladys. Stephanie is hurting her chances for complete rehabilitation because of a foolish notion, as you know, and——"
"I don't know that it is foolish," Gladys interrupted.
"Well it is, nevertheless—and because of her quarrel with me. She's headstrong and a bit wilful and we must look out for her—you and I."
"Which you proceed to do by quarrelling with her."
"I was justified in quarrelling with her—you should have heard what she said. However, I admit that in this instance justification isn't an excuse. I'll apologize and make a fresh start—if she will let me."
"She'll let you!" laughed Gladys.
"Has she mentioned our quarrel to you?" he asked eagerly.
"Not a word—but if you show the proper spirit, she'll be only too glad to make up. I know it—trust me. You are the one man, Montague, whom she will permit to advise her."