“Then perhaps you will explain why you are here!”
“There are visits that must be made, even with the certainty of giving annoyance!” answered Wingfold, rather cheerfully.
“That means you consider yourself justified in forcing your way into my room, before I am dressed, with the simple intention of making yourself disagreeable!”
“If I were here on my own business, you might well blame me! But what would you say to one of your men who told you he dared not go your message for fear of the lightning?”
“I would tell him he was a coward, and to go about his business.”
“That, then, is what I don't want to be told!”
“And for fear of being told it, you dare me!”
“Well—you may put it so;—yes.”
“I don't like you the worse for your courage. There's more than one man would face half a dozen bush-rangers rather than a woman I know!”
“I believe it. But it makes no extravagant demand on my courage. I am not afraid of you. I owe you nothing—except any service worth doing for you!”