“Ah, there’s Lucette!” he exclaimed.
And, leaving his companion, who appeared to be quite indifferent to his movements, he came across to Artemis, sat by her side, and smiled gaily upon her.
“Where have you been all this time, my dear?” he asked. Without waiting for an answer, he continued: “But you are looking pale and tired, Lucette. You have not been taking care of yourself; why have you not been to see me?”
She did her best to meet him in his mood.
“I have seen no one,” she answered, “and the reason why I came here to-night was because I hoped to meet you.”
“That is very kind of you. Do you know Maisie, the English girl?”
He indicated the sulphur-coloured butterfly.
“No, I don’t know any one.”
“Ah, well! It does not matter. You will come with me to-night?”
Her grave, innocent face showed a moment’s confusion.