Quard started and jerked out a "What?"

"I said, let me alone," she repeated in the same manner, looking him steadily in the face.

He coloured darkly, mumbled something indistinguishable, and flashed into a short-lived fit of temper.

"What's the matter with you, anyway?" he demanded hotly.


"What's the matter with you, anyway?" he demanded, hotly.


"Nothing," she replied quietly; "only I don't want to be pawed."