He had to pass her in going, and in doing so he struck a spray of a palm with his head; it recoiled, and caught some of its soft, spiky leaves in her hair.
She uttered a half-laughing cry, and Jack turned.
“I beg your pardon,” he said. “I am awfully clumsy. Allow me.”
She bent her head toward him, laughing, and Jack disentangled the silken threads from the great clinging leaf. In doing so he again proved his clumsiness, for the silken threads got round his fingers.
He could feel her soft, peach-like face against his wrist, and being human his blood thrilled.
Lady Bell looked up. Her face was pale, and her eyes drooping and languid.
“Are you going to scalp me after all?” she murmured.
Jack’s heart beat strangely.
“I—I am very sorry,” he muttered below his breath, and with lowered eyes he went on.
Lady Bell looked after him and drew a long breath. A sigh that almost echoed hers startled her, and turning she saw Una, sitting where she had left her, with her hands clasped in her lap.