“Yes, I would go back, Peter,” put in her father.
“No, for it is only a whim, probably aroused by her condition. I understand women often take these turns when they are as she is. It is foolish,” Peter answered with anger.
“We are going back,” replied Clarinda, with a fixity of purpose. “Why not? I may die. I may be ill for a long time. Why should I not have what I want? But remember I am not afraid of this thing.”
“When do you want to go back?” asked Peter.
“Now,” she answered shortly.
“It can’t be done.”
“I think Clarinda is reasonable,” her father said.
“But what of all these people?” asked Peter.
“They are certainly no more important than I am. Are they?” Clarinda asked.
Peter arose from the divan and shrugging his shoulders stepped over to the wall and touched a button. Presently the woman with the big jaw and the impenetrable face came in. Peter turned to her as she entered.