said I, “the chances are that I may have him out for his effrontery.”

“What! Who gave you the privilege of interfering in my affairs, you silly ninny?”

“So that you display ordinary prudence, I have no desire to interfere,” I retorted angrily.

“And if I do not! If I am imprudent! If I choose to be audacious, reckless, shameless! Is it your affair?”

“Suppose I make it mine?”

“You are both silly and insulting; do you know it?”

Flushed, breathing rapidly, we sat facing each other; and I could have shaken the little vixen, so furious was I at myself as well as at her.