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Helga saw it as well, and answered calmly—

“M. Denver is the only friend I was expecting to-night.”

“Then why try to fool me? Did you think I should not recognize—M. Denver? Haven’t I a right——”

“No;” anger and resolution in the sharp monosyllable.

“Don’t you consider me interested in your plans?”

“You will be glad to finish your cigar with M. Boreski, M. Drexel.”

“No, thank you; I came to see you. I have nothing to say to Boreski to-night—unless, of course——” He left the sentence unfinished except for a look.

“Unless what, M. Drexel?” The anger she had carefully suppressed until now was getting the upper hand of her, and he saw it.

“Unless you drive me to it, I mean;” this doggedly.

“You are at liberty to say what you please to M. Boreski—or to any one else.”

“You are providing me with an excellent opportunity,” he retorted, beginning to get angry in his turn, and glancing at me.

“Use it. You may never have a better.” The answer was crisp and supercilious—almost contemptuous.

A quarrel between an engaged couple must always be embarrassing for a third party, so I cut in—