"And besides," she hurried on, "they are only asking me because I happen to be here in the house."
"Indeed they're not!"
"But I know they are," persisted the girl. "Everybody doesn't want to see me just because you—"
"Because I what?" demanded Bob, with an ominous stride in her direction.
"Because you—and Mr. Snelling like me," concluded she tranquilly.
"Confound Snelling!"
"Indeed, no. He is a charming gentleman, and I won't have him confounded."
"Hang him then."
"Nor hanged either," she protested.
"Of course if you prefer Mr. Snelling—" began Robert Morton stiffly.