“I prefer to receive whom I please, when and where I please, without consulting you. When I need a master to order my daily conduct, I’ll let you know.
“But, Stella, dear!”
“Miss Butler—if you please!”
“I—I only meant to tell you that I love you desperately, that I’m jealous and ask you not to torture me—you cannot mean this, dear?”
“How dare you address me in that manner again!” she cried, flaming with anger, the tense little figure drawn to its full height.
Steve attempted to take her hand, but the fierce light in her eyes stopped him without a word.
“Leave this house instantly!” she said, with quiet emphasis.
With deep muttered curses in his soul against John Graham, Steve turned and left.
As he passed through the doorway, a black face peeped from the alcove and giggled.