"But—why?"
He was dazed. If ever a knight errant worked under greater difficulties than these, Laurie told himself, he'd like to know the poor chap's name.
"I have no wish to meet Miss Orleneff."
"But she's an ideal person for you to know, experienced, sympathetic, and understanding. She did a lot for my sister last year. I must tell you all about that sometime. She could do more for you—"
"Mr. Devon!" The finality of her tone brought him up short. "We must understand each other."
"I should like nothing better." He, too, was suddenly formal.
"This morning you projected yourself into my life."
"Literally," he cordially agreed.
"I am grateful to you for what you did and what you wish to do. But I will not meet any more strangers. I will not meet Miss Orleneff, or any one else. Is that clear?"
"Oh, perfectly!" Laurie sighed. "Of course you're a crowned head," he mused aloud. "I had forgotten. Would you like my head on a charger, or anything like that?"