Isabelle’s eyes filled with slow tears.
“Everybody quarreled with him! He was r-rather absurd about some things! I had a row with him myself just lately. I wish I hadn’t!”
“What was your quarrel about?”
“What was our quarrel about?” The girl regarded them with sudden, clumsy hauteur. “I don’t think that concerns you in the least!”
“Oh, but it does,” Landis seconded.
“I—I don’t see why I should tell you!”
“Anything you tell us,” Landis explained with grandeur, “is, so far as possible, strictly confidential!”
Isabelle looked relieved.
“Well, in that case, we had a row over Hobart. We’re engaged, you see,” she eyed them to observe the effect of this. They nodded politely. “Yes. We’re engaged. But Daddy wanted Hobart to go to work and of course Hobart wasn’t in any hurry. We’re having too good a time together! Isn’t it absurd? Why should he work? There’s plenty of money for us both!”
“Why, I suppose there is,” Landis admitted. “Thank you, Miss Harrison. Now would you mind waiting for a moment in the library with the others?” He rose as he spoke.