Their eyes crossed. "By George!" he thought—"you're in it. I believe to God you're in it."
And at that moment he felt that he hated the willowy, intangible creature who had just treated him with contempt.
But as they coldly touched hands, the door opened again, and Delia appeared.
"Oh I didn't mean to interrupt—" she said, retreating.
"Come in, come in!" said Gertrude. "We have finished our business—and Mr. Lathrop I am sure will excuse me—I must get some letters off by post—"
And with the curtest of bows she disappeared.
"I have brought you a book, Miss Blanchflower," Lathrop nervously began, diving into a large and sagging pocket. "You said you wanted to see Madame de Noailles' second volume."
He brought out "Les Éblouissements," and laid it on the table beside her. Delia thanked him, and then, all in a moment, as she stood beside him, a thought struck her. She turned her great eyes full upon him, and he saw the colour rushing into her cheeks.
"Mr. Lathrop!"
"Yes."