"I've forgotten. We've discussed you more than once, and I've given him a very candid opinion of you."
Barbara tossed her head, but her eyes were enquiring.
"What did you say?"
"Oh, it varies from time to time, as you shew yourself in different lights. Until this evening I didn't fully appreciate how vindictive you could be."
"And you're going to add that—with two more strokes of your delicate brush? I'm afraid Jack thinks too highly of me to be convinced by your picture."
"Well, I'd hardly say that."
"He doesn't talk about dog-whips any more. He doesn't abuse me and bully me. It's no good, Jim. The moment any one tries to coerce me—it's like slapping your hand down on an open wound; you set every nerve quivering in rebellion. If you were gentle and kind ... George Oakleigh was charming to me after you'd gone; I'd have done anything for him. I'd do anything for you, if you behaved like that. I don't want to quarrel with you or with any one; you'd find me great fun, if you'd only be friends. Fancy going on like this—and on my birthday, too!"
"After to-night I have no wish to be friends."
For an instant her eyes narrowed and her lips hardened in a thin straight line. Then she broke into a laugh.
"Well, for to-night at least let's keep up appearances!"