'What's the hurry about?' she asked, with a languor that was not very plausible. 'Dramoffskys?'
'Dramoffskys are all right,' said he deliberately, as he sat down opposite her. 'But I want a talk with you, Trix.'
'Did we settle that you were to call me Trix?'
'Well, but that's much less compromising--and just as complimentary.'
'Business! business!' he smiled, giving her appearance an approving glance. 'Fricker and I have been having a talk. We're not satisfied with you, partner.' He had for the time conquered his agitation, and was able to take a tone which he hoped would persuade her, without any need of threats or of disagreeable hints.
'Am I not most amiable to Mr. Fricker, and Mrs., and Miss?' Trix's face had clouded at the first mention of Fricker.
'You women are generally hopeless in business, but I expected better things from you. Now let's come to the point. What have you done for the Frickers?'
Reluctantly brought to the point, Trix recounted with all possible amplitude what she considered she had done. Her hand was often on the letter as she spoke. At the end, with a quick glance at Beaufort, she said:--
'And really that's all I can do. They're too impossible, you know.'
'That's all you can do?' he asked in a level smooth voice.
'Yes. Oh, a few more big squashes, perhaps. But it's nonsense talking of the Glentorlys or of any of Mrs. Bonfill's really nice evenings.'
'It's not nonsense. You could do it if you liked. You know Mrs. Bonfill, anyhow, would do it to please you; and I believe the Glentorlys would too.'
'Well, then, I don't like,' said Trix Trevalla.
He frowned heavily and seemed as if he were going to break out violently. But he waited a moment, and then spoke calmly again. The truth is that Fricker's interests were nothing to him. They might go, provided he could show that he had done his best for them; but doing his best must not involve sacrificing his own chances.
'So much for Fricker! I must say you've a cool way with you, Trix.'
'The way you speak annoys me very much sometimes,' remarked Trix reflectively.
'Why do you suppose he interested himself in your affairs?'
'I've done what I could.' Her lips shut obstinately. 'If I try to do more I sha'n't help the Frickers and I shall hurt myself.'