But Deerehurst gave no time for her indecision to mature. As the door closed upon the servant, he came quickly forward and took the hand she mechanically offered him.
For one moment he held her fingers closely; then he lifted them and, before she could anticipate the action, pressed them to his lips.
That a man should kiss a woman's hand by way of greeting is not necessarily a significant thing. It may be a slightly ostentatious act—but it may be nothing more. Uncertain how to construe the movement, Clodagh gave a faint laugh and withdrew her fingers.
"Were you very much surprised to get my wire?"
She moved away from him into the middle of the room. Now that she put it to the test, the interview seemed infinitely more difficult than when contemplated from a distance. She felt nervous and ill at ease.
Watching her with his close, attentive look, Deerehurst drew forward a chair.
"Sit down, little lady!" he said in his thin, impassive voice.
Reassured by the formality of the action, she took the proffered seat.
"Now take off your gloves. We shall feel more at home."
Again she gave a little laugh.