I gave her a long look. "Shut the door," I said.... "Now tell me why you agreed with me when I said that it was impossible to take your advice now."
The tourmalines flickered almost scornfully. "Don't you know?"
"I do not."
"What! You can't guess?"
"Will you tell me?"
For a moment she looked as if she was going to sit down for something that would require time; but she changed her mind, and stood, a crumple of skirt grasped in either hand.
"Ask me again and I will," she said, in a slightly raised voice.
"I do ask you."
Then, with a harsh little laugh, Louie made her second mistake of that day.