"You'll find it serious before you are through with this performance," Barbara retorted, angrily.
"Remember, I am in supreme authority now. Don't you dare speak to me in that manner, you ungrateful little wretch!"
"I'll dare to tell you the truth—even if you were the mother who bore me—even if I had not repaid you a hundredfold for every dollar you have spent on me."
"Hush, hush, my dear, I do not wish to quarrel," Catherine said, recovering herself. "I know your pride is wounded over your defeat. I've watched your growing vanity in high office with much amusement for the past year."
"I'm not thinking of myself," Barbara said with emphasis.
"Of course not—what woman ever does?" Catherine sneered.
"I am glad to be relieved of the annoyance of such a position. But your treatment of the brave and daring young spirit who conceived this colony and created its wealth and influence——"
"Am I responsible?"
"Yes. Herman is incapable of conceiving such a plot without your suggestion. It is your work. You have always loved luxury and power."
"Perhaps I love a man also," Catherine interrupted, as her full sensuous lips curled in a curious smile.