“Well, Fanny, dear!”
“Well, Alfred, dear!” and Fanny leaned toward him, with her head poised like that of a black snake. Alfred was fascinated. Perhaps he was sorry he was so; perhaps he wanted to struggle. But he did not. He was under the spell.
There was still a lingering silence. Fanny waited patiently. At length she asked again, putting her hand in her lover’s:
“Are you ready?”
“Yes!” said Alfred, in a crisp, resolute tone.
Fanny raised her hand and rang the bell. The waiter appeared.
“John, I want a carriage immediately.”
“Yes, Miss.”
“And, John, tell Mary to bring me my things. I am going out.”
“Yes, Miss.” And hearing nothing farther, John disappeared.