He smiled a little sadly. Grace liked the way he talked of Kemp and listened attentively while he gave many instances of Tommy’s kindness and generosity.
“About your father’s improvements on the motor,” Trenton continued, “I’ll go into that while I’m here. From the claims of the new patents it would appear that he’s got something of real value; but we’ll have to give them a try-out. We can do that at Kemp’s shop. Of course Tommy will be anxious to get the new ideas if they’re practical.”
“Even a small success just now will mean so much to father,” said Grace. “He was greatly excited by your letter and had to be convinced that you weren’t acting for Cummings. He pretends to mother that there was nothing unfair in Cummings’s treatment of him, but deep down in his heart he’s terribly bitter.”
A fire makes for intimacy and their concord was now so complete that silence had all the felicity of speech. The perfect expression of love may be conveyed in a glance and from time to time their eyes met in communications too precious for words. After these mute periods the talk would ripple on again unhurriedly as though they were the inheritors of immeasurable time.
In moments of animation when her dark eyes flashed and she smilingly invited his response she disclosed new and beguiling charms. In its disorder her hair emphasized what Irene was fond of calling Grace’s gypsy look.
The tea disposed of, she sent away the tray and as his cigarette case was empty she filled it from a box Jerry found for her.
“It seems funny to be using other people’s things this way,” she remarked. “It’s like finding a house in perfect running order on a desert island.”
“You don’t know what a joy it is to be waited on in this fashion.”
He looked up at her fondly as she stood beside him. When she returned the case he drew her upon his knees, took her hand and scrutinized it closely. He pressed a kiss upon the palm and closed his fingers upon it.
“How long will you keep it?” he asked.