“Do you want me to go grinning about the hotel like an infernal hyena?”
“I think a chastened joy would be appropriate.”
“Don’t be an ass, Deane. I suppose you think you’re funny.”
Sir Roger passed on, with a smile on his lips. As he passed the reading-room Dora Bellairs came out.
“Well, Miss Dora, enjoyed your afternoon?”
“Oh, awfully—except that dreadful explosion.”
“You must excuse a friend, you know. I’m awfully glad it’s all come right in the end.”
“You—you’re very kind, Sir Roger. It’s—it’s—there’s nothing quite settled yet.”
“Oh, of course not, but still——! Well, I heard all about it and I think he’s worthy of you. I can’t say more. He seems a capital fellow.”
“Yes, isn’t he? I——”