It is my duty. Basil Milbank has not a good
reputation. He is not the sort of man who--ah--who--in fact, he has not
a good reputation."
"Oh?"
"I understand that he has invited you to form one of his yacht party."
"How did you know?"
"Sybil told me. He invited her. I refused to allow her to accept the
invitation."
"And what did Sybil say?"
"She was naturally a little disappointed, of course, but she did as I
requested."
"I wonder she didn't pack her things and go straight off."
"My dear Ruth!"
"That is what I should have done."
"You don't know what you are saying."
"Oh? Do you think I should let Kirk dictate to me like that?"
"He is certain to disapprove of your going when he hears of the
invitation. What will you do?"
Ruth's eyes opened. For a moment she looked almost ugly.
"What shall I do? Why, go, of course."
She clenched her teeth. A woman's mind can work curiously, and she was
associating Kirk with Bailey in what she considered an unwarrantable
intrusion into her private affairs. It was as if Kirk, and not Bailey,
were standing there, demanding that she should not associate with Basil
Milbank.
"I shall make it my business," said Bailey, "to warn Kirk that this man
is not a desirable companion for you."
The discussion of this miserable yacht affair had brought back to
Bailey all the jealousy which he had felt when Sybil had first told him
of it.
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