"No," she replied dryly, "I know that. You're an obstinate man, as any one can see with half an eye. Well, I'm glad to see you again. Sit down in the armchair yonder and tell me what you have been doing all these months. No good, if your face is the index of your mind."
Ware laughed, and sitting down managed to stow his long legs out of the way—no easy matter in the little room. Then he accepted a cup of excellent tea from Mrs. Parry and some of her celebrated cake.
He did not reply immediately, as he did not want to tell her the truth. She had too long a tongue to be told anything which it was necessary to keep secret. He put her off as he best could with a general answer.
"I have just been going to and fro."
"Like Satan," sniffed Mrs. Parry. "He's your model, is he? So you have been searching for Anne. Where?"
"In Paris and in London. But I can't find her."
"She doesn't want you to find her," replied the old lady. "If she did, you would stand face to face with her soon enough."
"That goes without the speaking," retorted Ware. "However, my adventures would not amuse you, Mrs. Parry. Suppose you tell me what has been going on in these parts?"
"As if I knew anything of what was going on," said Mrs. Parry.
Giles laughed.