Davenport Carr gave one withering look into Dane’s insolently quiet face, and then he stared at the fantail that was now perched on a rocking twig of honeysuckle chirping impertinently at him.
When he had poured out the drinks Lee looked uncertainly at Dane.
“What is it?”
“The other?” suggested the boy. “What do I say?”
“Oh, Miss Carr? Is she here?”
“No, but she come soon, you say.”
“That’s all right, Lee. Let her come here as soon as she arrives.”
Davenport Carr tapped his feet nervously on the floor and the minute Lee had disappeared he stood up.
“Look here, Barrington, I didn’t mean to lose my temper when I came, and I didn’t come here to talk morals to you either, but I’m not going to let you insult me by your manner, especially when you know well enough why I have come.”
“I’m sorry I’ve seemed insulting, Carr. That is the last thing I wish to be under any circumstances, or to anybody. I don’t know what kind of manner you expect from me, but I’m not going to get angry just because you do.”
Dane did not move his head from his red cushions. Something about his ease and beauty fascinated his visitor even while it enraged him.
“Good God, haven’t I a right to be angry? You’ve got Valerie talked about here and in Auckland. Do you tell me you don’t know that?” He took a step nearer the hammock.
Dane’s expression did not change. “I didn’t know it, and I’m very sorry to hear it. I did my best to avoid it.”
“Oh, you did, did you? That at least is something to
