hard, tight, literal as they were, he had had his moment of joy in each of them before he saw them coldly and knew the truth.And he had been given his years of Paris at last: and had seen "how the other fellows did it."A heavy foot strode through the hall, coming abruptly to a halt in the doorway, and turning, she discovered Martin Pike, his big Henry-the-Eighth face flushed more with anger than with the heat.
His hat was upon his head, and remained there, nor did he offer any token or word of greeting whatever, but demanded to know when the work upon the house had been begun.
"The second morning after my return," she answered.
"I want to know," he pursued, "why it was kept secret from me, and I want to know quick.""Secret?" she echoed, with a wave of her hand to indicate the noise which the workmen were making.
"Upon whose authority was it begun?"
"Mine.Who else could give it?"
"Look here," he said, advancing toward her, "don't you try to fool me! You haven't done all this by yourself.Who hired these workmen?"Remembering her first interview with him, she rose quickly before he could come near her."Mr.
Louden made most of the arrangements for me,"she replied, quietly, "before he went away.He will take charge of everything when he returns.
You haven't forgotten that I told you I intended to place my affairs in his hands?"He had started forward, but at this he stopped and stared at her inarticulately.