"I don't care particularly one way or the other, but on the whole I'd rather we were alone."
Oh, shades of conscience! Stella bent over the tea things, ashamed of her hypocrisy.
Robert's face cleared. He beamed complacently. "We can't always expect to be alone, little selfish one!"
"When does Sher Singh want to go?"
"By this time he's gone, I imagine. He intended to catch the afternoon train."
"Well, it can't be helped," said Stella, "and of course if you wish it, I'll press Mr. Flint to stay. Now he can be at work again I shan't have to entertain him——"
"Or listen to his eternal novel."
"I don't mind that; but it's a bore making conversation."
"Yes, I understand. Well, anyway it's a charity to put him up for a bit longer, and he can sing for his supper by trying to beat me at tennis every day. Here he comes——"