Flora couldn't tell whether he was simply natural, or whether he was giving this domestic color to their interview on purpose. She rather thought it was the latter.
"To-morrow at ten, then!" he said cheerfully to Flora. The stiff curtains rustled behind him and the two women were left together.
"What an important appointment," said Clara lightly, "to bring a man at this hour to make it."
"Oh, it is, awfully!" Flora answered in the same key. "To choose my engagement ring."
Clara's delicate brows flew upward, and though Clara herself made no comment, the quick facial movement said, "I don't believe it."
VI
BLACK MAGIC
The memory of Clara's incredulous glance remained with her as something curious, and she was not unprepared to be challenged when, the next morning, she hurried down the hall, drawing on her gloves. Clara's door did open, but the lady herself, yawning lightly on the threshold, had this time no questions for her. "Remember the luncheon," she advised, "and by the way, Ella wants us to sit in their box to-night. Don't forget to tell Harry."