"Dear Isobel," I said, "if there is any difference--think! A year ago you were a child. To-day you are a woman. You must understand that, side by side with the pleasure of having you with us--the greatest pleasure that has ever come into our lives, Isobel--has come a certain amount of responsibility."
"I am becoming a trouble to you, then!" she exclaimed breathlessly.
I suppose I weakened for a moment. Some trick of tone or expression must have let in the daylight, for she suddenly held out her hands with a soft little cry. And then as she stood there, her eyes shining, the old delightful smile curving her lips, the door before which she stood was thrown open, and Arthur stood there. He had on his hat and coat, and I saw at once that he was not himself. His cheeks were flushed with anger, and he looked at us with a black frown.
"So you've come back, then!" he exclaimed. "Allan and I got tired of waiting. Just in time to say good-bye, Isobel. I'm off!"
"Off? But where?" she asked, looking at him in surprise.
I left them, and passed on into our studio sitting-room, where Mabane was filling his pipe.
"What's the matter with Arthur?" I asked.
"Off his chump," Allan answered gravely. "Don't take any notice of him."
Isobel and he were still talking together. Arthur's voice was a little raised--then it suddenly dropped.
"I think," Allan said, "that you had better interfere. Arthur has lost his temper. I am afraid----"
"He will break the compact?" I exclaimed.
I stepped back into the little hall. They were talking together earnestly. Arthur looked up and glared at me.
"Arthur," I said, "Allan and I want a few words with you before you go--if you are going out to-night."
"In a moment," he answered. "I have something to say to Isobel."
But Isobel had gone. He looked for a moment at the door of her room through which she had vanished, and then he turned on his heel and followed me. He threw his hat upon the table and faced us both defiantly.
"It is I," he said, "who have something to say to you, and I'd like to get it over quick. D--n your hypocritical compact, Arnold Greatson! There! You're in love with Isobel! Any fool can see it, and you want to keep the child all to yourself."
Allan took a quick step forward, but I held out my hand.