That was what she said to herself when she was alone.
"Well, old man, have you had it out with Triggs?"
Turning, Miss Cullen found that Mr. Stanham had approached from behind. He stood in the doorway--as usual, with his hands in his pockets.
"Yes, young man, I've had it out with Triggs."
Miss Cullen had a little flush on her cheeks and an added light in her eyes, which superfluities, it might be said, unjustifiably heightened her attractions.
"Softened his adamantine breast?"
"Well, hardly. Not what you might call quite. In fact, I should say that, if he remains in his present frame of mind, he will send you, for a certainty, to something much worse than penal servitude for life."
"Is that so? Very kind of you, I'm sure. I knew you'd make a mess of it, my love."
"Wait till the play is over. There's always a muddle in the middle. The third act has not begun."