"It is logical of women then to ask that eternal question?"
"Quite—I make a point of answering them always without irritation."
——I wonder—if Miss Sharp loved anyone would she?——but I am determined not to speculate further about her—.
When Colonel Harcourt had gone—I deliberately rang my bell—and when she came into the room I found I was not sure what I had rung for—It is the most exasperating fact that Miss Sharp keeps me in a continual state of nervous consciousness.
Her manner was indifferently expectant, if one can use such a paradoxical description—.
"I—I—wondered if you played the piano?—"I blurted out.
She looked surprised—if one can ever say she looks anything, with the expression of her eyes completely hidden. She answered as usual with one word—.
"Yes."
"I suppose you would not play to me?—er—it might give me an inspiration for the last chapter—"
She went and opened the lid of the instrument.