196  )


THE    C03I3ION   LAW


"  Has  anything  gone  wrong  with  us  ?  "  he  asked,
sullenl3^

"  Evidently.  I  don't  know  what  it  is.  I'm  keeping
my  composure  and  controlHng  my  temper  until  I  find
out.  You  know  what  that  dreadful  temper  of  mine
can  be  ?  "  She  added,  smiling :  "  Well,  then,  please
beware  of  it  unless  you  are  ready  to  talk  sensibly.  Are
you?"

"  What  is  it  you  wish  me  to  say?  "

"  How  perfectly  horrid  you  can  be  !  "  she  exclaimed.
"  I  never  knew  you  could  be  like  this  ?  Do  you  want
a  girl  to  go  on  her  knees  to  you?  I  care  enough  for
our  friendship  to  do  it — but  I  won't !  "

Her  mood  was  altering :

"  You're  a  brute,  Kelly,  to  make  me  miserable.  I
was  having  such  a  good  time  at  the  Gigolctte  when  I
suddenly  saw  you — your  expression — and — I  don't  even
yet  know  whj',  but  every  bit  of  joy  went  out  of  every-
thing for  mc "

"  I  was  going  out,  too,"  he  said,  laughing.  "  Why
didn't  you  remain?  Your  gay  spirits  would  have  re-
turned untroubled  after  my  departure."

There  was  an  ugly  sound  to  his  laugh  which  checked
her,  left  her  silent  for  a  moment.     Then :

'"Did  you  disapprove  of  me?"  she  asked,  curi-
ously.    "Was  that  it?"

"  No.      You   can   take  care  of  yourself,  I  fancy."

"  I  have  had  to,"  she  said,  gravely.
He  was  silent.
