“On the Twentieth Century Limited, this afternoon,” the Inspector declared, in a voice of growing wrath.
“Oh, dear, no!” Mary's assertion was made very quietly, but with an underlying firmness that irritated the official beyond endurance.
“I say yes!” The answer was a bellow.
Mary appeared distressed, not frightened. Her words were an ironic protest against the man's obstreperous noisiness, no more.
“I thought you wanted quiet words with me.”
Burke went toward her, in a rage.
“Now, look here, Mollie——” he began harshly.
On the instant, Mary was on her feet, facing him, and there was a gleam in her eyes as they met his that bade him pause.
“Miss Turner, if you don't mind.” She laughed slightly. “For the present, anyway.” She reseated herself tranquilly.
Burke was checked, but he retained his severity of bearing.