VI
Alone, a moment later, Tay was contemplating a short excursion into the garden with the solace of a cigarette, when he heard light rapid footsteps on the terrace flags. He turned eagerly. But it was Fanny who came running in. Her face was flushed with triumph, and her eyes sparkled under their heavy lids.
“I gave Granny the slip,” she exclaimed. “Let’s stay here and make Julia jealous.”
“But your grandmother will be unmerciful—”
“Oh, she never knows whether I’m round or not.”
“You make me feel that you lead a most unnatural life.”
“You may just better believe I do—dodging Granny, and watching cane grow. Oh, do make me feel like a girl in a book. You had just begun to tell me about that wonderful San Francisco when Granny had to come in. Tell me more. It will be something to dream of even if I never can see it.”
Tay resigned himself and sat down.
“Oh, you’ll see it, all right. You will visit us.”
“But suppose Julia won’t become an American and divorce that lunatic of hers.”