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414 “Van Naghel is. . .”

“Van Naghel is what?”

“Van Naghel is. . . very much put out. I can’t understand how he can play bridge.”

“What is he put out about?”

“About you.”

“About me?”

“Yes, about you.”

“I’m sorry, Bertha!” said Constance, coolly. “What have I done wrong?”

“Of course, it’s not your fault, about those articles. But the first was exceedingly unpleasant for Van Naghel. . .”

“And the second I haven’t read,” said Constance, coldly.

“No,” Paul broke in, “I advised Constance not to read it.”

“And I don’t mean to read it: it has ceased to interest me. Is Van Naghel put out by that article about me?”

“He’s put out by the visit. . .”

“The visit. . .?”

“The visit you paid me, on Tuesday.”

“Is Van Naghel put out by a visit which I paid you on Tuesday?” asked Constance, very contemptuously, in surprise.

“You ought not to have come on my day.”

“I ought not to have. . .?”

“Don’t be angry, Constance: I have had such a scene with my husband as it is! Don’t be angry, for Heaven’s sake! Don’t misunderstand me. I