“I’m sure I don’t!” Diana said, still laughing. “I feel very well and very happy—much better than I have felt for a long time—and of course if one feels well one looks well——”
“Did you feel as well and happy a few hours ago, when you left me to go and do some work for Féodor?” asked Madame. “You did not look then as you look now!”
Diana glanced at Dimitrius questioningly, mutely asking what she should say next. He gave her a reassuring smile.
“You are like a Grand Inquisitor, mother mine!” he said. “And sharp as a needle in your scrutiny! Perhaps you are right!—Miss May is a little altered. In fact I think I may acknowledge and admit the fact—but I’m sure it is so slight a change that she has scarcely noticed it herself. And when she has retired and gone to bed, you and I will have a little private talk about it. Will that satisfy you?”
She looked at him trustfully and with a great tenderness.
“I am not unsatisfied even now, my son!” she answered, gently—“I am only curious! I am like the lady in the fairy tale of ‘Blue Beard’—I want to unlock your cupboard of mystery! And you won’t cut my head off for that, will you?”
He laughed.
“I would sooner cut off my own!” he said, gaily. “Be sure of that! You shall know all that is needful, in good time! Meanwhile, Miss Diana had better leave us for the present”—Diana at once rose and came towards him to say good-night—“I hope I am not giving you too abrupt a dismissal,” he added, “but I think, under the circumstances, you should get all the rest you can.”
She bent her head in mute obedience, thanking him with a smile. As she turned with a softly breathed “good-night” to Madame Dimitrius, the old lady drew her close and kissed her.
“Bless you, my dear!” she said. “If you change in your looks, do not change in your heart!”