"Nonsense!" I cried, but for the life of me I couldn't help feeling elated. She had a soul above self, after all!
"You see, I am a thief and a robber and a very terrible malefactor, according to the reports Max brings over from the city. The fight for poor little Rosemary is destined to fill columns and columns in the newspapers of the two continents for months to come. You, Mr. Smart, may find yourself in the thick of it. If I were in your place, I should keep out of it."
"While I am not overjoyed by the prospect of being dragged into it, Countess, I certainly refuse to back out at this stage of the game. Moreover, you may rest assured that I shall not turn you out."
"It occurred to me last night that the safest thing for you to do, Mr. Smart, is to—to get out yourself."
I stared. She went on hurriedly: "Can't you go away for a month's visit or—"
"Well, upon my soul!" I gasped. "Would you turn me out of my own house? This beats anything I've—"
"I was only thinking of your peace of mind and your—your safety," she cried unhappily. "Truly, truly I was."
"Well, I prefer to stay here and do what little I can to shield you and Rosemary," said I sullenly.
"I'll not say anything horrid again, Mr. Smart," she said quite meekly. (I take this occasion to repeat that I've never seen any one in all my life so pretty as she!) Her moist red lip trembled slightly, like a censured child's.
At that instant there came a rapping on the door. I started apprehensively.