“Mr. Hemenway, my actions and my looks can have no possible interest for you. I should be obliged if you would cease to consider them.”
To Hemenway’s perverted fancy this was but a bit of shy bait. He promptly took advantage of it.
“On the contrary, I have the very greatest interest, my dear Miss Barrington—the very warmest interest. I—I—Miss Barrington, as you may be aware, I am a rich man now.”
“That does not concern me in the least,” retorted Ethel sharply.
A strange expression came over Hemenway’s face. For the first time a doubt shook his egotistical content. His eyes grew hard. No maidenly shyness prompted that speech. Still—possibly she had not understood.
“Miss Barrington, it has long been in my mind to ask you to be my wife. I love you, and now I am rich I am confident I can make you——”
“Stop! I won’t even listen to you!” Miss Barrington was on her feet, her eyes blazing.
Hemenway rose and faced her. All his polish dropped like a mask, and the real man looked out from beneath angrily frowning brows.
“You won’t listen, my fine lady? And why not, pray? Ain’t I good enough to speak to you?”
“I hate you—I despise you—oh, I loathe the very sight of you!” shuddered Ethel, losing all control of herself. “Now will you leave me in peace—or must I say more before you quite understand me?”