After closing the door quietly, stealthily, she slumped against it. Her breathing was quick and audible; her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes were brilliant with emotion. When she spoke, no one could doubt that it was anger that moved her. “I might have known,” she said, “what to expect from you.” “Yes, I think you might,” he answered reasonably. “You had no business to force your way into my house.” “I didn’t force my way in. I was invited.” Advancing a step or two, she stabbed the air with one hand. “You played upon my sister-in-law’s good nature so that I would be compelled to speak with you.” In contrast to her impassioned tones, his were calm and faintly amused. “True,” he said. “In the normal way of things, there would have been many opportunities to approach you. In your determination to avoid me, however, not only did you bar your house to me, but you also made yourself a recluse. I was obliged to use subterfuge to gain my ends.” “I’m warning you, I won’t be threatened in my own home.
