“Spirit be bothered!” retorted the more mundane partner.
“Ladies,” I interposed amicably, “I have in my overcoat pocket a box of chocolate creams. Honor me by accepting them!”
Not even this overture could mollify Miss Clibborn, and presently she departed again with a sad glance at her lukewarm ally and frivolous secretary.
Ah, how divine Kate looked as she consumed those bonbons and our talk turned back to Plato! So divine, indeed, that I felt suddenly impelled to ask a question, to solve a little lingering doubt that sometimes would persist in coming to poison my faith in my friend.
“I have been wondering,” I said, after a pause.
“Wondering what?”
“You remember that evening I met you in the Temple? I was wondering what rendezvous you were keeping.”
“What a funny idea!” she laughed. “I took a fancy to walk in the Temple; that was all.”
“And expected no one?”
“Of course not!”