He pinched her cheek affectionately and looked at her with admiration shining in his eyes.
“Please get the mark off the orchid pin soon, dear, as I need it sorely for my new dress.”
“I’ll do it this afternoon,” he promised. “I guess this code can keep. It is deucedly hard. I may have to get you to help me. You are a clever pet and can jump at a conclusion it takes a clumsy man days to reach.”
Hortense smiled happily. “There is one thing I don’t like about this business, Felix.”
“And what is that?”
“I don’t like this thing of having to pretend to these foolish youths that you are a stern middle-aged person who is not in the least en rapport with me. You are so much more wonderful than any man I ever see anywhere.”
“Well, pet, we trust each other—eh?” and he looked searchingly in her eyes.
“Oh, Felix, what a question!” and she kissed him lightly on his smooth, iron-grey hair and ran off for her ride with Billy McGraw.