Nell looked fierce; her lips were shut tight, her cheeks glowing. He glanced at her.

"Something has vexed you?" he said tentatively.

"Yes."

"Anything I can do?"

"No! Oh, how hateful—hateful people are! What idiots! Oh, I'm as bad as they are! I didn't mean to worry you, but it—I never can keep things in. I choke."

"Please don't," he smiled rather bewilderedly. "Say what you like."

"No, I won't. Only how anyone could be so idiotic—so thick-skinned—so aggravating as those two just now—"

He looked at her incredulously.

"You're angry with them—for me?"

"Of course!" she sounded quite snappy.