The sharp command restored Marjorie to some semblance of composure. “No, I shall not go,” she said more quietly. “You are right, Janet, I have forgotten myself—to an absurd extent; but I’ll do so no longer. Your father shall learn the truth tonight.”
“He will turn you out of the house as a common adventuress.”
Marjorie leaned across the desk and contemplated Janet in silence.
“Janet,” she began at length. “I have never shown you anything but kindness; I have tried in every way to see that you had a good time and were enjoying yourself. In Heaven’s name, what has aroused your animosity? Why should you hound me in this manner?”
“I’m not hounding you,” protested Janet, tears springing to her eyes. “I have tried very hard to blind myself to your—your——”
“My what?” a dangerous light in her eyes.
But Janet dodged the question. “You must go,” she said, her words tumbling over each other in her haste. “My guests will arrive here in a few minutes. Pauline must not find you here—there will be another scene——” Janet fairly wrung her hands—“People will talk so.”
“Quite right, they will,” but the significant emphasis passed completely over Janet’s head. “I have no objection to confronting Pauline again, and particularly do I wish to see Tom Nichols.”
“Ah, indeed; and what do you wish to see him about?”
“I desire his advice,” calmly. “I started to go to Fort Myer this afternoon and got as far as the Aqueduct Bridge in Georgetown when I recollected he was to dine here——”