That she was wilfully feigning unconsciousness of his presence, he felt assured. That she should finally recognize that presence, he was obstinately determined.
But Winnie is not as composed as she seems, and his steady march up and down becomes very irritating. Lowering her book suddenly, she turns sharply in her chair.
“Mr. Warburton, allow me to mention that your boots creak,” she says tartly.
“I beg your pardon, Winnie.”
“No, you do not! I can’t see why you must needs choose this room for your tramping, when all the house is quite at your disposal.”
Alan stops and stands directly before her.
“I came, Winnie, because you were here,” he says gently.
“Well,” taking up her book and turning her shoulder towards him, “if you can’t make yourself less disagreeable, I shall leave, presently, because you are here.”
Paying no heed to her petulant words, he draws forward a chair and seats himself before her.
“Winnie,” he says gravely, “what is this that I hear from your mother: you wish to leave Warburton Place?”