Bellamy laughed outright, and Lucinda's earnestness melted into an answering smile. "What a notion! How did you get it, Linda?"
"Thought it up all out of my own head, strange as it may appear. You see—this is the danger of it all—you make me think, dear. And if you keep that up, first thing you know I'll be all mental—and that would be too awful!"
Bel laughed again, more briefly, and slackened his embrace; and she understood from this that, if she had not actually lost, she had gained nothing.
"Perhaps you're right. At all events, it's worth thinking about."
"You will think it over, Bel—promise?"
"Word of honour. But now—late for an appointment—must run."
Against the better counsel of her instinct, Lucinda put all she had left unsaid into her parting kiss—and felt that his response was forced.
In chagrin she wandered to a window and stood gazing blankly out till recalled by a new voice: "Good morning, Mrs. Druce."
Lucinda wadded the handkerchief into her palm and turned to her secretary, an unruffled countenance.
"Good morning, Elena."