She sat up quickly. “Did you hear what was said?”
“Every word. That’s why I was there.” He smiled at her calmly.
“Then why didn’t you come out sooner?” she cried, indignantly.
“I wanted to hear what he had to say, and at the same time I didn’t want you to biff him on the jaw—which from your attitude I gathered you were on the point of doing.”
“Why not? I’d have given anything to have smacked his face.”
“I know. I’d have given anything to have seen you do it. But—not yet. In fact, to-morrow you’ve got to go for a walk with him.”
“I flatly refuse!” cried Sybil Daventry.
“More than that,” continued Longworth, calmly, “you’ve got to keep him on the hook. Play with him; let him think he’s got a chance.”
“But why?” she demanded. “I loathe him.”
“Because it is absolutely essential that he should remain here until the day after to-morrow at the earliest.”