Page:Arthur Stringer - Twin Tales.djvu/163

Rh "It seems to have proved an entirely satisfactory place to me," Teddie responded with the utmost dignity.

"But has it?" demanded Gerry, putting down his hat.

"It would, if I were left alone," said Teddie, biting her lips.

"And what would that meant? What would that bring you?" asked Gerry, with a suddenly sobered face.

"It would bring me the freedom I want," retorted Teddie, with a challenge still in her gaze.

"That is the one thing it could never do, O Helen of the Ruinous Face!" corrected Gerry. But Teddie, who was in no sense a classical student, saw nothing remarkably appropriate in this allusion to the ancients.

"What makes you think that?" she asked, with a tremor in her voice. She hadn't intended any retreat from her earlier severity of tone. She prided herself on not being the sort of girl who would willingly show the white feather. But Gerry had touched on something which had