“Did you see who that was?” said Virginia in a freezing tone.
Captain Chase inserted a finger between his collar and throat.
“I saw your blasted husband kissing my wife.”
“How dare you?” cried Mrs. Peruke. “She had her arms round his neck.”
“He was taking advantage of her,” declared Roger. “Rosemary’s not that
sort.”
“What d’you mean—_that sort_?” said Virginia furiously.
In view of the powder yet adhering to her companion’s shoulder, the
peculiar pertinence of the question was undeniable.
Captain Chase swallowed before replying.
“I only meant,” he explained, “that—that she wouldn’t make the
running.”
Virginia replied with a noise which cannot be reduced to writing, but
was indicative at once of great contempt, loathing, and incredulity.
Then, after the manner of one who fears contamination and desires to
advertise the fact, she withdrew as far from Captain Chase as the
construction of the limousine would allow.
“You seem to forget,” she said coldly, “that Derry is very attractive.”
“I say he’s deceived her,” was the violent reply. “Made her blind or
something.”
“Why not face facts?” said Virginia. “She’s been trying to bring this
off for weeks and months, and now——”
“It’s false,” roared Roger. “He’s managed to get her alone, an’—an’
. . . . ”
“I see,” said Virginia. “Once aboard the coupé and the girl is mine.”
She laughed icily. “The only snag is that it’s _her_ coupé.”
“What if it is?” cried Roger. “He’s waited his chance—that’s all. He’s
asked her to give him a lift, an’——”
“Where to? Kingston? We live in Curzon Street—six miles the other way.”
“I don’t care about that,” said Roger savagely. “He told her some tale,
of course. Rosemary’s very trusting.”
“I suppose he put her arms round his neck.”
“She was struggling,” screamed Roger. “You saw for yourself the car was
all over the road.”
“She was making a meal of it,” said Virginia, shuddering. “Ugh! Don’t
think I’m defending Derry,” she added suddenly, “because I’m not. _But I
know how he felt._” Roger started. “When you’re pursued and badgered by
someone who says they’re dying for love of you, it’s very awkward to
keep on putting them off—especially if you know them pretty well. One
doesn’t want to hurt their feelings, and one doesn’t want a scene, and
so for the sake of peace——”
“I can’t bear it,” said Roger thickly. “I don’t say I’m blameless,
but——”
“I wonder,” said Virginia relentlessly, fingering a note in her bag, “I
wonder if she has written to him.”
Here was treason, unconscionable, barefaced.
Captain Chase could hardly credit his ears.