He put out a rather dirty hand and patted her white shoulder. She drew back.
“Don’t touch me, you beast!”
Hugh broke in tempestuously. “Don’t do that again, you dog, or I’ll knock you down.”
Vulning gave a sneering laugh, then suddenly grew fierce.
“Why shouldn’t I do it if I choose? What’s it got to do with you, you young whelp? What can you do?”
“I can make you respect a lady in my presence.”
“Respect! Lady!” Vulning burst into a roar of laughter. “That a lady! That! Why, man, she’s been my mistress. She’s been the mistress of a dozen men I know. She’s anybody’s woman. Respect! Her! Oh you young fool! You poor flat.... Ach!”
He choked. Hugh had clutched him by the collar and was shaking him savagely. Vulning struck out wildly, but Hugh hurled him to the floor and stood over him.
“Come on,” said Mrs. Belmire wearily, “I’m going.”
She went to the door alone, pulling her cloak over her dazzling shoulders. Hugh hesitated, then followed her.