“Well, yes, in a way,” answered Lexy, growing a little red.
“My wife and I were very much interested,” he went on, with as little interest as a human being may well display. “We don’t have many newcomers here. It’s a very quiet place.”
His apathetic manner exasperated Lexy.
“But I don’t care how quiet it is,” she observed.
“My wife and I like a quiet life,” he said. “My wife asked me to explain, Miss Moran, that she is something of a recluse. Her health prevents her from calling upon you; but she wished me to say that she would be very happy to see you at the Tower, whenever it may be convenient for you to call, any afternoon after four o’clock.”
“Thank you,” replied Lexy. “Please thank Mrs. Quelton. I shall be very pleased to come.”
And now why didn’t he go away? This visit was apparently a painful duty for him. He had delivered his message, and yet he lingered.
“A very quiet place,” he repeated; “but perhaps you are not sociably inclined?”
“Oh, I’m sociable enough—at times,” said Lexy.
“But at the present time you prefer solitude? For the purposes of your work? As a change from the stimulating atmosphere of the city?”