But he was experienced in flirtation as well as in love, and he had far too much tact not to know that her summons had been dictated by some feeling which was not affection. She was obliged to take the hand he held out so humbly, and his deferential attitude somewhat disarmed her.
“I got your note only just in time, Mrs. Braithwaite: I was going down to Kirby Park to see some horses a friend of mine has in training there.”
“I am sorry if my note interfered with your day’s arrangements. You should have sent me a line to say you were engaged.”
“I am never engaged when you send for me. You must know that by this time.”
Annie raised her head haughtily, while he continued:
“It is more than eight months now since you told me I was the only person in the world you could depend upon, and I have never failed you yet.”
This allusion was embarrassing, and Annie could only murmur:
“You have always been very kind.”
“And you have put my kindness to some hard tests, haven’t you? You have snubbed me, you have confided in me—at least you appeared to do so: you have encouraged me to love you——”
“No, Mr. Cooke; I am quite innocent of any such intention.”