"Defined my position is good, I think."
"It sounds good," said Barbara.
"'That position remains what it was. And as your exceptionally fine intelligence cannot fail to understand it, no more need be said.
"'At least I hope it is so. I should be sorry if our very pleasant relations terminated in disappointment—'"
For one instant she could see him smile, feeling voluptuously the sharp, bright edge of his word before it cut him. He drew back, scowling above a sudden sombre flush of memory.
"Disappointment—" said Barbara, giving him his cue.
"Disappointment is not quite the word. I want something—something more chivalrous."
His eyes turned away from her, pretending to look for it.
"Ah—now I have it. 'Very pleasant relations terminated on a note—on a note of—on an unexpected note.
"'With kind regards, very sincerely yours,