He tried to laugh, but her direct look broke the sound in his throat.
"I rather admire that kind of fool," she said, with quiet emphasis.
"And you have lost nothing by your folly,—nothing."
"Does that mean you have quite forgiven me?" For the life of him he could not stifle the exultation in his tone.
"Quite—quite. Will that do for your reward? Shake hands on it,—please: and I promise never to speak or think of it again."
Before their hands fell apart Lenox entered, and a slight shadow crossed his face.
"A note for you, Dick," he said quietly. "The man wants an answer."
Richardson's relief was evident.
"Thanks. I won't keep him waiting." And he departed without opening the envelope.
"Don't be too long; and don't change your coat," Quita called after him. "There's some detail work that I might get in before tea." Then conscious of gathering storm, she turned hurriedly to her husband.
"What were you and Dick shaking hands about at this time of day!" he asked as the door closed upon his subaltern.