"What are you talking about?" he said sharply.

"I'm talking about Cecile White," continued Quair, looking rather
oddly at the sculptor out of his slightly prominent eyes. "I didn't
suppose you could be interested in any woman--not that I mind your
interfering with any little affair between Cecile and me--"

"There wasn't any."

"I beg your pardon, Drene--"

"There wasn't any!" repeated Drene, with curt contempt. "Don't talk
about her, anyway."

"You mean I'm not to talk about a common artist's model--"

"Not that way."

"Oh. Is she yours?"

"She isn't anybody's, I fancy. Therefore, let her alone, or I'll
throw you out of doors."

Quair said to Guilder after they had departed:

"Fancy old Drene playing about with that girl on a strictly pious
basis! He's doubtless dub enough to waste his time. But what's in it
for her?"

"Perhaps a little unaccustomed masculine decency."