'It's impossible as far as I'm concerned. I have a hundred things to do
before I can leave New York.'
'Well, I could do with a day or two to clear up a few bits of work I
have on hand. Why couldn't we start this day week?'
'It is out of the question for me. About then I shall be on Mr.
Milbank's yacht. He has invited me to join his party. The actual day is
not settled, but it will be in about a week's time.'
'Oh!' said Kirk.
Ruth said nothing.
'Have you accepted the invitation?'
'I have not actually answered his letter. I was just going to when you
came in.'
'But you mean to accept it?'
'Certainly. Several of my friends will be there. Sybil for one.'
'Not Sybil.'
'Oh, I know Bailey has made some ridiculous objection to her going, but
I mean to persuade her.'
Kirk did not answer. She looked at him steadily.
'So Bailey did call on you this afternoon? He told me he was going to,
but I hoped he would think better of it. But apparently there are no
limits to Bailey's stupidity.'
'Yes, Bailey came to the studio. He seemed troubled about this yacht
party.'
'Did he advise you to forbid me to go?'
'Well, yes; he did.'
'And now you have come to do it?'
'Not at all. I told Bailey that you were not the sort of woman one
forbade to do things.'
'I'm not.'
There was a pause.
'All the same, I wish you wouldn't go.'
Ruth did not answer.
'It would be very jolly out at the shack.'
Ruth shuddered elaborately and gave a little laugh.
'Would it? It's rather a question of taste. Personally, I can't imagine
anything more depressing and uncomfortable than being cooped up in a
draughty frame house miles away from anywhere. There's no reason why
you should not go, though, if you like that sort of thing. Of course,
you must not take Bill.'
'Why not?'
Kirk spoke calmly enough, but he was very near the breaking point. All
his good resolutions had vanished under the acid of Ruth's manner.
'I couldn't let him rough it like that. Aunt Lora would have a fit.'
Conditions being favourable, it only needs a spark to explode a powder
magazine; and there are moments when a word can turn an outwardly calm
and patient man into a raging maniac. This introduction of Mrs.
Porter's name into the discussion at this particular point broke down
the last remnants of Kirk's self-control.
For a few seconds his fury so mastered him that he could not speak.
