“You do understand, don’t you?” she said pleadingly.
“Yes, of course I understand. But I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry too,” said Lily in a low voice.
“Forgive me, Miss Fairfield. I’m an ill-tempered, cantankerous fellow! But I was so disappointed—just for the minute. What are you doing this afternoon? May we call for you at the Hôtel Hidalgo after lunch?”
“I’m afraid Beppo Polda will expect me to go out with them,” said Lily. “I always used to think I had a firm character till I came to Monte Carlo, but now I’m just like wax; I do whatever I’m told. It’s awfully difficult with foreigners—they just make up their minds to do something, and one has to fall in with their plans.”
“Count Beppo Polda is going away to-morrow, isn’t he?” asked Angus Stuart abruptly.
“Yes, I believe he is.”
“I’m glad he’s going away.”
“Why?” asked Lily.
“I don’t care for the fellow—that’s all.”