“I know nothing of it,” she answered, with contemptuous indifference; “and if I did, I should scarcely be inclined, after your somewhat objectionable proposal, to discuss the matter with you.”
As she made a move towards the bell, he put forth a restraining hand. “Then you reject me and my suggestion, Countess,” he demanded sullenly. “It is your final answer?”
“My final answer,” she assured him. “I am only sorry that you should have been so ill-advised as to invite it.” And she rang the bell.
“Very well,” he returned darkly. “Time will show which of us has been the more ill-advised.”
She had turned her back upon him, and so, without any leave-taking, he went away.
CHAPTER VI
THE MAN BEHIND
“YOU are earlier than I expected, Geoffrey.”
Gastineau, as he spoke, laid down the book he was reading and stretched out his hand to Herriard with a smile. “Was the dinner worth going to—apart from business?”
“Oh, yes; it wasn’t bad.” Herriard brought up a chair and sat down with a yawn.
“Tell me all about it.”