“What do you want?”
She took off her jewels, which burnt her neck like a circle of fire.
“I’ve got something I wish to talk to you about. I’m much distressed by a thing that has happened on the estate.”
“Oh, my dear Paul,” she cried impatiently, “for goodness’ sake don’t worry me to-night; you know I don’t care twopence about the estate. Why don’t you consult Bainbridge, who’s paid to look after it?”
“My love, I wanted your advice.”
“Oh, if you knew how my head was aching! I feel as if I could scream in sheer agony.”
He stepped forward, full of affectionate concern.
“My poor child, why didn’t you tell me before? I’m so sorry, and I’ve been bothering you. Is it very bad?”
She looked up at him, and her mouth twitched. He was so devoted, so kind, and whatever she did he could overlook and forgive.
“What a pig I am! she cried’ “How can you like me when I’m so absolutely horrid to you?”