There was a courtesy, a cordiality in his tone which almost disarmed me. Such a finished scoundrel! It seemed a shame that I couldn't be friends with him, for I enjoyed him so thoroughly.
"We shall be glad to accept," I answered, knowing in my heart that the invitation would never be made. "You're very kind."
He waved his hand deprecatingly, then let it fall upon the bed with a gesture of weariness. I recognized the sign of dismissal. I was ready to go; I had accomplished all I could hope to accomplish; if I had not already disarmed his suspicions, I could never do so.
"I am tiring you!" I said, starting up. "How thoughtless of me!"
"No," he protested; "no"; but his voice was almost inaudible.
"I will go," I said. "You must pardon me. I hope you will soon be better," and I closed the door behind me with his murmured thanks in my ears.
It was not till after dinner that I found opportunity to relate to Miss Kemball the details of my talk with Martigny. She listened quietly until I had finished; then she looked at me smilingly.
"Why did you change your mind?" she asked.
"The adventure tempted me—those are your own words. I thought perhaps I might be able to throw Martigny off the track."