She laid her hand on his arm with a shy gesture. "I hope you won't be dreadfully disappointed in me," she said.
He bent towards her, and for a moment she felt as if his keen eyes pierced her. "I don't think that is very likely," he said, and kissed her with the words.
She did not shrink from his kiss, but she did not return it; nor did he linger as if expecting any return.
He was on his feet the next moment, and she wondered with a little sense of chill if he were really satisfied.
CHAPTER VII
THE CONQUEROR
They found Adela awaiting them in her corner, but chafing for a change.
"I want you to take us to the billiard-room," she said to Fletcher. "There's a great match on. I've heard a lot of men talking about it. And I adore watching billiards. I'm sure we shan't be in the way. I'll promise not to talk, and Dot is as quiet as a mouse."
Fletcher considered the point. "I believe it's a fairly respectable crowd," he said, looking at Dot. "But you're tired."