"Go to blazes if you like."
Valentine crossed to the door, and, before Julian had time to speak, opened it and quietly vanished. Julian and Cuckoo were left staring at one another. The latter's impudence had suddenly evaporated. Her face was working as if she was astonished and afraid.
"What's he after? What's he after, I say?" she ejaculated. "Go and see."
But Julian shook his head.
"It's all right. He has only done it for a joke. He will be back directly."
"Yes, but—but."
She seemed really frightened. Julian supposed she realized her rudeness vaguely, and imagined she had made an abominable faux pas. Acting on this supposition, he said reassuringly:
"He didn't mind your chaff. He knew you were only joking."
"Lord, it isn't that," she rejoined with trembling lips. "But what's he goin' to do?"
"Do?"