“Why is it,� asked Diana, “that a man, failing to agree with another, calls him names?�
He laughed, his cheek reddening. “Why should I agree with that shyster?�
“Why should that shyster agree with you?� she mocked, a light kindling in her clear eyes.
Jacob chuckled unpleasantly. “I hope you’ve never claimed that six cents again,� he commented; “he’s got your receipt, you know.�
It was her turn to redden. “You are jealous of his growing reputation,� she flung at him.
He shrugged a shoulder. “Of that beautiful speech at Cresset’s, in which he painted me as the devil and all his works?�
“I admired the Cresset speech!� she exclaimed, a sentiment which would have amazed Mrs. Eaton.
Jacob laughed. “So do I,� he said, “it was first-class campaign matter, but—well, Di, personal abuse is a little vulgar, isn’t it, just now?�
“Not if you deserved it,� she said defiantly.
“I’d take any amount if you’d promise not to dance with him again.�