Chapter XX
The Quarrel
One day a letter came from Jack, and Gino was with Anne when the butler brought it to her by the late post of a rainy afternoon. When she recognized the handwriting she flushed with annoyance, feeling that Gino’s eyes were upon her; but putting the letter on a table she continued their conversation where it had been interrupted, measuring tea into the teapot while she talked. Gino made no comment, but she knew that he was watching her, and for this reason the color stayed in her cheeks, rather deepening than otherwise because of her irritation at its presence.
When the tea was ready she called to her aunt, who was writing in the next room, and the moment Mrs. Garrison sat down she saw the envelope.
“You have a letter from Jack!”
“Yes,” answered Anne,and she could have cried with annoyance. “Is your tea too strong, Aunt Margaret?” she asked as carelessly as she could; and then prepared Gino’s, remarking with a smile that she could not make it too strong for him, and208
