"You are to stay as long as you please," she went on. "If Longfield is your American home and Truckleford your English home, then Mervaux is your French."
"Not as long as I please," Phil replied. "One must have a sense of self-denial."
"Very well said," she countered. It was worth while coming down to breakfast to hear him say it. "Perhaps I shall insist that it be as long as the hostess pleases. What then?"
Yes, what would he say to that? Her shrewd eyes reflected a teasing spark which when she was young must have been as effectual as Henriette's.
"But I might not know the signs," he said, "and mistake my pleasure for yours."
"I should tell you."
"Does that mean that you think I should have to be told?" He was enjoying this play of words as much as she.
"No, not you, cousin. You are the kind to whom one would always hate to say au revoir and could never say good-bye."
"This is almost a flirtation," said Henriette. "At least he must stay till the portrait is finished. We shall start at once."
"I begin to feel awfully stuck on myself, as we say at home!" said Phil. "Do I sit for both portraits at the same time?" he asked, turning to Helen.