“He did. He’s an exemplary person. He took me to call on his mother’s relations—all a thousand years old—which is hardly what might be called devilish.”
She continued to bend with a pretty gravity to her work, while he watched her, amused at the pains she took to ignore the fact that there was anything remarkable in her being in the house; then he laughed and stood close beside her, taking one of her hands. She caught it away quickly and nodded toward a seat, continuing to affect absorption.
“Sit down, won’t you? I’m very, very busy, and this is most particular work; if I should make a mistake——”
He obeyed, studying her with pleasure shining in his eyes for a moment of silence, then broke out laughing.
“Sh-h!” She laid a finger on her lips, with a slight inclination of her head toward the door.
“Did you tell them downstairs that you would be here for luncheon? Then ring for Annie and I’ll send word.”
Until this was done she continued her refusal to meet his eyes. She inquired of the maid as to whether Mr. Wayne’s room was in order, and when the girl had gone she dropped her needle and said carelessly, as though the matter were of the lightest importance:
“I had a cold and thought I’d better not risk the trip to Boston. You know I’m not used to this fly-by-night sleeping-car travel.”
“Indeed? It’s very unfortunate that you were obliged to deny yourself so great a pleasure. I thought you were not subject to colds!”
“I suppose it’s the change of climate—coming here so far inland. They say it does make a great difference.”