Page:The woman, the man, and the monster (IA womanmanmonster00dawe).pdf/252

 however, was infinitely more surprising than he had anticipated. Brenton suddenly jerked himself to an upright position and positively glowered upon his questioner.

“You did not know?’

“My dear fellow, I have seen nothing of you for years.”

He did not think it necessary to recall certain rumours. An unreasoning fit of obstinacy would not let him show Brenton that he was of sufficient importance to be talked about. For of a sudden an inexplicable spirit of antagonism had risen against this man. He re- sented his abrupt, domineering manner, that aggressive thrust of the heavy jaw, the amused superior smile which the eye reflected in a none too conciliatory light. It had been thus in their young days. Brenton had ridden roughshod over his fellows then, and evidently he had continued in the ways of his youth. Even now there was a lingering condescension of manner which seemed innate to the man.

“Oh, yes, I’m married,” he said, controlling himself with an effort. “I thought perhaps you knew.”

“No.”