WHITEWASH
"I shall be delighted," she replied. "My proofs, unlike Miss Ford's, will be readily forthcoming. When would you like to see them?"
Philippa sprang to her feet.
"Morton, if you love me, don't give them the satisfaction of listening. You know it isn't true. Can't you see that they are trying to draw your attention from Victoria by making this attack on me?"
Mrs. Durham persisted, coldly. "Miss Ford, will you mention your informant in the matter of these accusations against Miss Claudel?"
Philippa was infuriated.
"I will not! I will not!" she insisted, and then, with a high scream of laughter, she burst into tears.
No one had heard the bell, or the opening of the door, and not until Valdeck was actually ushered into the room, did any one realize the presence of an outsider.
He took in the situation, and paled.
"Excuse me—I—intrude."
He was about to withdraw, when Victoria barred his way.
205
