The telephone rang.
"There she is now. What do you expect me to tell her?"
"Whatever you like. I should tell her the truth."
He answered the call and explained at great length that Mrs. Paxton had been suddenly taken ill, in the afternoon, and could not come out. She was covered with chagrin at missing the tea.
"Nice fix to put a man in," he began again.
"Jerry, I cannot be nagged. I have told you the truth. I am sorry I offended you and your friends. Let's not discuss it any further, please."
"We might discuss Christiansen possibly. The fascinating gentleman who makes you forget time, and obligations to your husband."
"You were rude to him."
"I don't care if I was."
"But you expect me to be courteous to Miss Morton."