Amazed at the double temerity of the use of her name and the allusion to the Past, she returned his look, flushing uncontrollably.
"Why did you do that?" he pursued, enjoying her embarrassment.
"I—I do not recall it," she said and flamed yet more to the lie. "And hereafter, please remember I am Mrs. Hart."
She had a grip on the reins and he must heed the sharp tug, though he still chafed under the restraint like a restive horse. "And now we'll speak of another matter—your work;" she continued.
"It's two years since we've seen each other," he remonstrated sulkily.
"It's nearer three," she might have answered, but checked the words. Instead, severely: "You ought to have something to show for that length of time."
"I have something."
"So I supposed. Now tell me."
And gradually with those arts known to woman, she subdued the quondam lover and roused the genius. Yielding to the flattery of her attitude, which was one of keen interest in his work, he was soon discoursing enthusiastically on the subject she had prescribed. A fish in the water or a bird in the air could not have been more at home than was he in her presence.
Thus they talked till twilight fell and the maid came in to light the gas: and they were still deeply absorbed when Simon appeared.