And Richardson, having quite recovered from his bad quarter of an hour, drove off humming the refrain of a song Quita had sung to him a few evenings back. After all, so long as she liked him, and valued his friendship, she was welcome to hate the supposed unknown, whose identity she must never be allowed to guess.
Meanwhile Lenox and his wife went on into the house, Quita disarming reproof by instant apology. "It was delightful; but I'm sorry we were away too long, dear."
He smiled contentedly down upon her. "Well—there are limits! Where on earth did you go?"
"All through the city again, and I unearthed endless treasures. You'd have loved it."
"Of course I should. Great fool that I was not to chuck the writing and take you myself!"
"Oh, if you only would, a little oftener!"
Something in her tone smote him; and putting both hands on her shoulders, he bent towards her, pain and passion in his eyes.
"Darling, tell me, have I been neglecting you lately?"
Her low laughter reassured him. "Neglecting me? Dear stupid! D'you suppose I'd sit down under it if you did? Now I'm going to change for dinner; and do please make yourself agreeable to Mrs Norton this evening."
For the Deputy Commissioner's wife was honouring her husband with a flying visit, before going north to spend the season in Simla.