"Nonsense," I said with some annoyance. "You can pose before her as well as before me."
Veronica did not answer, only pulled in sullen silence at the cushion.
"You are wasting my time," I said impatiently.
Veronica looked through the window.
"I shan't take off my clothes before her," she muttered defiantly.
I turned away from her in annoyance and approached Viola who had not moved from her chair on the other side of the room. She sprang up and came to meet me.
"She objects to my being here?" she said quickly. "Is it bothering you? Because, if it is, I'll go; that'll settle it."
"It's awfully stupid. I'm so sorry, Viola; it's so idiotic of her."
Viola smiled brightly up at me.
"Never mind, I'll go. You'll be down soon, now."