"Oh, yes, you will," said Quin quietly. "I don't know what the row's
about, but she doesn't have to talk to you if she doesn't want to."
For a moment the two men stood silently measuring each other; then the
one in uniform gave a slight shrug and permitted himself a faint superior
smile.
"I see," he said. "The young lady's conduct did not lead me to suppose
she was engaged. I congratulate you!" And, turning on his heel, he went
back to his car.
Rose turned quickly and seized Quin's arm.
"Don't tell anybody about this, please," she implored. "I've had my
lesson--the beast!"
"What did he do?" demanded Quin, longing for an excuse to annihilate
Phipps.
"It wasn't so much what he did--it was what he said. But you've got to
promise not to give me away, Quin. You mustn't let on that I was out
to-night."
"But Cass is on to it. He's waiting there in the hall now."
She caught her breath sharply.
"Does he know who I was with?"
"Not yet."
"Then he mustn't. It would spoil everything for Papa Claude and the play;
and, besides, Cass is so excitable. I _haven't_ done anything wrong,
Quin! I was just out for a little fun, and that contemptible puppy
thought----"
"I wish to God I'd cracked his bean!" said Quin fervently.
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