"There's a great deal to be said for your plan," she said. Then she began tearing up each of the few letters which remained on the long oak table, and threw the pieces, one by one, into the heart of the fire.
He watched her in uncomfortable silence. At last she came and sat down opposite Wantele.
"I suppose you have heard the great news," he said abruptly. "I mean, the piece of good fortune which has befallen the Paches?"
The girl looked up. Wantele was still staring into the fire, but his expression told her nothing.
"No," she said indifferently, "what is it?"
"They've got General Lingard staying with them, and they're bringing him over to dinner on Tuesday. Athena is going to ask you to meet him."
"Lingard?" cried the girl. "Not Lingard of the Amadawa Expedition! D'you really mean that I'm going to meet him?"
A ring of genuine pleasure had come into the young voice which a few moments before had only too plainly told a tale of dejection and bitterness.
Wantele turned and looked at her. For the first time that evening he smiled broadly, and there came into his eyes the humorous light which generally dwelt there.
"I suppose you know all about him," he said dryly. "I suppose you followed every step of the Expedition?"