He got up, dragged his chair nearer to hers, and sat down again. Their chairs were side by side now. She leaned back in hers and smiled at him.
“This is infinitely pleasanter than breakfasting at a long table among a crowd. They will wonder at the hotel what has become of me.”
“They will certainly never suppose that you are in my company,” he said.
“Why not?”
A dry smile twisted his lips. He scrutinised her for a brief moment, and then answered abruptly:
“They wouldn’t credit the possibility of my inviting you to come.”
“You didn’t,” she answered, and laughed with amusement. The laugh was infectious; Hallam joined in it.
“I wish you hadn’t such an awkward memory for blunt facts,” he said. “I know I was abominably rude. I am always rude. As a rule that doesn’t trouble me; but in your case I regret my lack of manners.”
“I did not notice it,” she replied. “I think perhaps I was preoccupied with the lack of manners betrayed on my part. You must think me rather pushing.”
Again he smiled dryly, but in the keen eyes shone a kindly look.