"But, father, I prefer to stay at home."

And I prefer to have you accompany us," retorted McIntyre. "Come,
Barbara, we cannot be discourteous to Mrs. Brewster; she is our
guest, and this supper is for her entertainment."

"Well, take her." Barbara was openly rebellious.

"Barbara!" His tone caused her to look at him in wonder; instead
of the stern rebuke she expected, his voice was almost wheedling.
"I cannot very well take Mrs. Brewster to a caf at this hour
without causing gossip."

"Oh, fiddle-sticks!" exclaimed Barbara. "I don't have to play
chaperon for you two. Every one knows she is visiting us; what's
there improper in your taking her out to supper? Why" - regarding
him critically -" she's young enough to be your daughter!"

"Go to your room!" There was nothing wheedling about McIntyre at
that instant; he was thoroughly incensed.

As Barbara sped out happy in having gained her way, she announced,
as a parting shot, "If you can be nasty to Helen; father, I can be
nasty, too."

Colonel McIntyre brought his fist down on a smoking table with such
force that he scattered its contents over the floor. When he rose
from picking up the debris, he found Mrs. Brewster at his elbow.