"No, I promise you that I won't do that," answered Akira, his face again becoming so unemotional that Basil could not tell what he was thinking about; "but you have not answered my question."
"Here is Mara to answer for herself," said Dane, and he spoke truly, for as they advanced towards the front door of the house, it opened suddenly and Mara flew out with sparkling eyes.
"Count Akira. I am so glad to see you again. Is that your boat? What a nice boat she is. When did you arrive and what are----"
"Mara, Mara, Mara!" remonstrated Basil laughing, "how can the man answer so many questions all at once?"
"I would need Gargantua's mouth as your Shakespeare says," observed Akira with a quiet smile, and his eyes also sparkled at the sight of the girl.
"Come inside, Akira, and I will tell Miss Carrol," said Dane hospitably.
He stepped into the house, but Akira did not follow immediately. He lingered behind with Mara, and, after a glance at the many windows of the house, he gave her hand a friendly shake. But his words were warmer than his gesture, for they were meant for Mara's private ear, while the handshake was for the benefit of any onlooker.
"I have come, you see. You are glad?" and his black eyes looked volumes.
Mara nodded, and from being a pale lily became a dewy rose. "Of course. Did I not promise to love you for seven lives?"
"Your father will not understand that," said Akira dryly.