She calmly opened a violet leather vanity box, withdrew various trifles and made dexterous use of them, squinting at herself in a mirror the size of a silver dollar.
Farrington groaned and shuddered, but delayed his flight to watch the effect of this last arrival.
Banning turned on Coningsby and shouted:
“This is your work! You’ve brought this woman here! I hope you’re satisfied with it!”
“My work!” piped Coningsby very earnestly in his queer falsetto. “I never had a thing to do with it; but if Zaliska is good enough for you to dine with in New York it isn’t square for you to insult her here in your own house.”
“I’m not insulting her. When I dined with her it was at your invitation, you little fool!” foamed the Senator.
Zaliska danced to him on her toes, planted her tiny figure before him and folded her arms.
“Be calm, Tracy; I will protect you!” she lisped sweetly.
“Tracy! Tracy!” repeated Mrs. Banning.
Miss Collingwood laughed aloud. She and the Bishop seemed to be the only persons present who were enjoying themselves. Outside, the machine that had brought Zaliska had backed noisily off the steps and was now retreating.