“And so decided to come here yourself,” Janet laughed recklessly. “Your motives are not so pure as you would lead me to suppose.”
“Stop!” Marjorie’s imperious tone made even the jealous girl pause. “I think you have taken leave of your senses.”
“You are welcome to your opinion,” retorted Janet defiantly. “But I insist on your leaving this house. Do you wish to be turned out again?”
“I have never been turned out.” Marjorie was struggling to keep her temper within bounds. “I left this house of my own accord this morning. My clothes are still here, and here I shall remain until I am dismissed by your mother.”
Janet’s eyes were dark with passion. “You dare to stay on as my chaperon?”
“Yes. Your behavior to me tonight has made me reconsider my quixotic effort to shield you; from now on I shall strive to clear myself of your lying testimony against me.”
“You leave me but one alternative....”
“And that is——?” as Janet paused.
“To have the servants put you out of the house.”
“Janet!” Marjorie gazed at the young girl in stupefaction, and the latter’s eyes wavered and fell as she caught the keen reproach and pain which Marjorie’s face betrayed. For a second she battled with her better self.