“The police were pretty close. We dodged ’em by the length of a street.”
She held his arm again, and said: “Big brother! Sportsman and gentleman! For the Irish blood that’s in you!”
“With English loyalty,” said Bertram, sharply.
“In that case,” said Dennis O’Brien, in a sullen way, “I’ll just slope out into the streets again. I take no favour from English loyalty. To hell with all its loyalties!”
He stood up and went towards the door, but Susan ran round the table to him and caught hold of his coat.
“Dennis, my dear! Bertram is all for Irish liberty. And don’t forget I’m half English too!”
“All Irish now!” said Dennis, in a low, passionate voice.
Bertram watched them. His face was flushed, and he had thrust his hair back so that it was all tousled.
“This is a devilish affair,” he said, “but if O’Brien cares to stay here, he can have that sofa!”
“Well played!” cried Susan softly, and with those words she kissed her brother, and her eyes were wet and shining.