I sprang to my feet and started toward her, uttering an exclamation which I was unable to stifle, though I tried to.
“Good evening, Mr. Percy,” she said cheerily. “It’s the most EXUBERANT night. YOU’RE quite hearty, I hope?”
“Takin’ a walk, I see, little lady,” he observed with genial patronage.
“Oh, not just for that,” she returned. “It’s more to see HIM.” She nodded to me, and, as I reached her, carelessly gave me her left hand. “You know I’m studying with him,” she continued to Mr. Percy, exhibiting a sketch-book under her arm. “I dropped over to get a criticism.”
“Oh, drawin’-lessons?” said Mr. Percy tolerantly. “Well, don’ lemme interrup’ ye.”
He moved as if to withdraw toward the steps, but she detained him with a question. “You’re spending the rest of the summer here?”
“That depends,” he answered tersely.
“I hear you have some PASSIONATELY interesting friends.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“Ah, don’t you know?” she responded commiseratingly. “This is the most scandalously gossipy neighbourhood in France. My DEAR young man, every one from here to Timbuctu knows all about it by this time!”