"I can't avoid business relations, and that's all there is to it." "Well, never mind," she exclaimed.

Her lips tightened.

The feeling of mutual antagonism was increased.
On the other hand, his interest in Drouet's little shop-girl grew in an almost evenly balanced proportion.

That young lady, under the stress of her situation and the tutelage of her new friend, changed effectively.
She had the aptitude of the struggler who seeks emancipation.

The glow of a more showy life was not lost upon her.