For the first time in her life she felt daunted,
humiliated. She knew nothing more beyond the fact that in deliberate
coquetry she had pitted brother against brother, and that something
cruel and tragical had happened for which she was being judged. Neither
spoke. She summoned her outer dignity, tossed her pretty head, and went
out by the end door which Austin in cold politeness held open for her.
Then she mounted to her bedroom, and, throwing herself on her bed, burst
into a passion of meaningless weeping.
Katherine handed Austin the pistol which she had taken from Dick's hand.
"Now you'll believe what I told you."
"I believe it," said Austin gravely.
"That duel was not all play-acting."
"That," said he, "was absurd. Dick Has been drinking. It was a silly
farce. Viviette egged him on until he seemed to take it seriously."
"He did take it seriously, Austin. He's in a dangerous mood. If I were
you I should be careful. Take a woman's warning."
He stood for a moment in deep thought, his gaze absently fixed on the
weapon he held in his hand.
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