“I had a premonition the place would be empty unless M. Selden consented to come,” said Madame Ghita softly.
Davis stared at her.
“But you were doubtful if he would....”
“I knew that M. Selden had many engagements,” said madame, her colour mounting a little. “Nevertheless, I permitted myself to hope.”
Selden felt his heart revive. So the place was really his!
“You are very good to me, madame,” he murmured, and then he caught Cicette’s eyes on him, very round and shining. Well, let the whole world see; he did not care!
But Davis was too engrossed in his own affairs to notice anything.
“I told you, you know,” he rattled on, “that this was a very special occasion. Confound it, I can’t keep it any longer!” he added, as Cicette made a motion to silence him, and he caught her hand and held it. “Waiter, fill the glasses! Selden, old man, I want you to drink to the health of the sweetest girl in the world—the future Madame Davis!” and he raised Cicette’s hand to his lips with more grace than Selden imagined he possessed.
“With all my heart!” cried Selden, deeply moved. “I congratulate you, Davis; and you also, mademoiselle.”
“Thank you,” said Davis, and held out his hand across the board. “You said that as though you meant to do it!”