"
She seemed suddenly bent on turning the tables on one whom she
apparently regarded as her adversary. Some people, when they do
make an effort of will, are always carried forward by the unwonted
exertion into an almost libertine excess. Miss Bright's timidity was
now developing into violent impudence. She tossed her head till the
gigantic shadow of the sarcophagus that crowned it aspired upon the
wall almost to the ceiling. She stuck her feet out upon the stool
aggressively, and her arms instinctively sought the akimbo position
that is the physical expression of mental hardihood in vulgar natures.
"Go along!" she said.
Valentine pretended to take her at her word. He got up.
"Where shall I go? I am your slave!"
She laughed shrilly.
"Go to blazes if you like."
Valentine crossed to the door, and, before Julian had time to speak,
opened it and quietly vanished. Julian and Cuckoo were left staring at
one another. The latter's impudence had suddenly evaporated. Her face was
working as if she was astonished and afraid.
"What's he after? What's he after, I say?" she ejaculated. "Go and see."
But Julian shook his head.
"It's all right. He has only done it for a joke. He will be back
directly.
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