“Everything,” said Herbert. “He is second cousin to one of my directors. It is essential that you should make a good impression.”
“You told me once that he was a complete ass,” said Clare.
“So he is.”
“Well, then,” said Clare, quietly but firmly, “I decline to make a good impression on him.”
“I must ask you to obey my wishes,” said Herbert.
Clare had rebellion in her eyes.
“I have obeyed you for seven years. It is now the Eighth Year.”
Herbert did not hear his wife’s remark. He was looking round the room with an air of extreme annoyance.
“Well, I’m blowed!” he exclaimed.
“What’s the matter, dear?” asked Mrs. Hey-wood anxiously.