“I have no such desire.”
Polly’s lip curled in scorn. “You wish to get me away from Washington, away from this house,” she charged. “Why?”
The two girls contemplated each other, but while Judith was pale, a feverish color heightened the sparkle in Polly’s over-bright eyes. When Judith spoke it was with deliberation.
“I suggested that you go on a vacation,” she said, “for your own good.”
“Indeed!” Polly’s laugh ended in a sneer. “Are you quite sure your consideration is not misdirected?”
“Quite sure.” Judith’s temper was gaining the upper hand in spite of her endeavor to keep it under control. “Once before you ignored my advice; you know with what results.” She paused. “Austin’s death—”
“Well?” Polly leaned forward, both hands on the arms of her chair.
Instead of completing her sentence Judith placed the note and her check on Polly’s typewriter.
“You had better arrange to leave to-morrow,” she said softly.
“I won’t.” Polly’s voice rang out clearly. “I don’t know whom you are trying to shield, but you shan’t drive me away—you shan’t—you shan’t!”