“I think,” I said, “that we had better ride over to Trécourt after the show—not that there’s any immediate danger—”
“There is no immediate danger,” said Speed, “because she is here.”
My face began to burn; I looked at him miserably. “How do you know?”
“She is there in the tent. I saw her.”
He came up and held his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry I told you,” he said.
“Why?” I asked. “She knows what I am. Is there any reason why she should not be amused? I promise you she shall be!”
“Then why do you speak so bitterly? Don’t misconstrue her presence. Don’t be a contemptible fool. 294 If I have read her face—and I have never spoken to her, as you know—I tell you, Scarlett, that young girl is going through an ordeal! Do women of that kind come to shows like this to be amused?”
“What do you mean?” I said, angrily.
“I mean that she could not keep away! And I tell you to be careful with your lions, to spare her any recklessness on your part, to finish as soon as you can, and get out of that cursed cage. If you don’t you’re a coward, and a selfish one at that!”
His words were like a blow in the face; I stared at him, too confused even for anger.