She broke off, flushing, and Owen felt an unwonted curiosity as to her meaning.
"Well?" He spoke kindly, but Toni seemed unable to proceed.
"I was thinking ... I mean ..." Suddenly impatient of her own cowardice she took her courage in both hands and spoke bravely. "I was wondering whether you would allow me to ask Fanny—my cousin—down for the afternoon. You see, if you are away——"
"Why, of course, dear!" Owen spoke the more heartily because he felt a slight compunction at the thought of her relations. "Ask your cousin by all means. You must remember that this is your house, Toni, and you need not ask my leave to invite your friends."
"Thank you." She was looking down as she spoke, but her cheeks were scarlet. "I will ask her then ... but ..." suddenly her words came with a rush "... I know my people aren't like yours ... I couldn't let them meet your friends ... I mean—I'll ask them when you are not at home, and then——"
"Don't be a goose, Toni!" Owen hoped his voice betrayed nothing. "Your people are my people now, you know, and I don't want you to get any silly ideas into your head at the start."
She stretched out her hand impulsively and laid it on his arm.
"Owen, you're too good to me. I know so well that we belong to different worlds, but ... if you mean that——"
"Of course I mean it." He rose as he spoke and patted her shoulder. "Don't be a little silly—and now run away and write to your cousin at once. If she can't come to-morrow, suggest Friday."
"Oh, she couldn't come then," returned Toni naïvely. "You see the shop closes on Thursday afternoon, and it's Fanny's only free day."