"You are _supporting_ her?"
"If you wish to put it that way," said he carelessly. "My money pays the
bills--all the bills."
"Fred!"
"Yes? What is it? Why are you so agitated?" He studied her face, then
rose, took a final pull at the cigarette, tossed it in the fire. "I must
be going," he said, in a cool, even voice.
She started up in a panic. "Fred! What do you mean? Are you angry with
me?"
His calm regard met hers. "I do not like--this sort of thing," he said.
"But surely you'll explain. Surely I'm entitled to an explanation."
"Why should I explain? You have evidently found an explanation that
satisfies you." He drew himself up in a quiet gesture of haughtiness.
"Besides, it has never been my habit to allow myself to be questioned or
to explain myself."