"Think I can leave that to your intelligence. I've never noticed you were—one might say—dense concerning the psychology of your sex, Linda."
Indignation threatened to find expression in a rush of tears, but Lucinda winked them back.
"I do wish you wouldn't try to make me angry with you——"
"I'm only trying to tell you, one can't afford to trust anybody in this world except those who have nothing to gain through cultivating one's friendship."
"—Just now, when I've so much to be grateful to you for, when you're doing—have done so much to save me from the consequences of my folly——"
"Ah! you realize that."
"Both my folly"—Lucinda nodded gravely—"and all you're doing to repair it. So this once I won't resent your calling my friends adventurers."
Bel chuckled as he got up. "Because you know in your heart that's what they are, neither more nor less.... Think I'll be getting along now. I want sleep badly, and I must stop in at the studio first and have a word with Lontaine, if he's there. And then I need Nolan's address."
"You're going to see him. Do you think that wise?"
"I won't permit him to spread gossip about your being with Summerlad last night."