CHAPTER V
ONE WAY TO ACQUIRE A WIFE
Stewart, standing petrified, collar in hand, thrilling with the warmth of that caress, was conscious that his free arm had dropped about the woman’s waist, and that she was cuddling to him, patting him excitedly on the cheek and smiling up into his eyes. Then, over her shoulder, he caught a glimpse of the sardonic smile on the ugly face of the waiter as he withdrew and closed the door.
“But how glad I am!” the woman rattled on, at the top of her voice. “And what a journey! I am covered with dirt! I shall need gallons of water!”
She walked rapidly to the door, opened it, and looked out. Then she closed and locked it, and, to his amazement, caught up one of his handkerchiefs and hung it over the knob so that it masked the keyhole.
“They will not suspect,” she said, in a lower tone, noticing his look. “They will suppose it is to conceal our marital endearments! Now we can talk. But we will keep to English, if you do not mind. Someone might pass. Is everything arranged? Is the passport in order?”
Her eyes were shining with excitement, her lips were trembling. As he still stood staring, she came close to him and shook his arm.
“Can it be that you do not know English?” she demanded. “But that would be too stupid! You understand English, do you not?”
“Yes, madam,” stammered Stewart. “At least, I have always thought so.”
“Then why do you not answer? Is anything wrong? You look as though you did not expect me.”
“Madam,” answered Stewart, gravely, “will you kindly pinch me on the arm—here in the tender part? I have been told that is a test.”