"Oh, yes, I do--Miss Clarice Baird," cried Zara, rising. "I understand that Ferdy is at Gattlinsands, and that you--are--here!"
[CHAPTER XX]
PROOF POSITIVE
In that little room, with its vivid colouring and heavy scented atmosphere, the two women faced each other, bent upon battle. At the outset, the advantage lay with Zara, seeing how she had penetrated the disguise of the devoted sister. For one moment the dancer eyed the pale and startled face of her visitor, and then crossed to a bronze tripod of classic shape and beauty, wherein smouldered a pastille. While lighting another one, she threw a careless glance over her shoulder.
"Well," she said, quietly, "have you nothing to say?"
Clarice, now on her feet, looked at the gaudy comfort of the tiny room, at the Oriental draperies and ornaments, at the Persian praying mats, at herself in the glass, tall, slim, and boyish, in her masculine attire, and then her gaze came back to the graceful woman in the maize-hued tea-gown. Zara met her gaze with insolence, and a smile curved the red beauty of her full lips. "Have you nothing to say?" she repeated, and the question sounded like a challenge.
"A great deal," retorted Clarice, nerving herself for the battle; "in spite of this dress I am a woman, and therefore can use my tongue."
"You will have to use your brains also," said Zara, with a shrug, "if you wish to conquer me."
"How do you know that I wish to conquer you?"
"You would not be here else. I can guess why you have come; to save Ferdy from becoming what you no doubt call--my prey, Bah! As if Ferdy was worth it."