“Brace up, dear,” he said; “it will all come out right. I’m sorry Elliott dragged in this Stone, but—it will be all right, somehow.”
“But it’s all so mysterious, Alvord. I don’t know what to do—or say—”
“Don’t lose your temper, Eunice. Let me advise you strongly as to that. It never does any good—it militates against you. And here’s another thing—Are you afraid of the little Desternay?”
“Afraid—how?” but Eunice paled.
“Afraid—she knows something—oh, something injurious to—”
“To me? She knows heaps!” The haughty head tossed, and Eunice looked defiant.
“You beauty!” and Hendricks took a step nearer. “Oh, you splendid thing! How I adore you. Eunice—you are a goddess to-night! And you are for me! Some day—oh, I’m not going to say it now—-don’t look so alarmed—but, you know—oh, Sweet, you know! And you yes, you, too, my splendid Tiger—”‘
“Hush, Alvord! Never call me that!”
“No, I beg pardon. And I don’t want to. That was San’s own name for you. I shall call you my Queen! My glorious Queen-woman!”
“Oh, stop! Don’t you dare make love to me!