And for an hour Jack Romayne gave his listener a series of vivid pictures of his life in Germany and in other lands for the past ten years, mingling with personal reminiscences incidents connected with international politics and personages. He talked well, not only because his subject was a part of himself, but also because Jane possessed that rare ability to listen with intelligence and sympathy. Never had she met with a man who had been in such intimate touch with the world's Great Affairs and who was possessed at the same time of such brilliant powers of description.
Before either of them was aware the party from the mine had returned.
“We have had a perfectly glorious time,” cried Nora as she entered the room with her cheeks and eyes glowing.
“So have we, Miss Nora,” said Jack. “In fact, I had not the slightest idea of the flight of time.”
“You may say so,” exclaimed Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. “These two have been so utterly absorbed in each other that my presence in the room or absence from it was a matter of perfect indifference. And how Jane managed it I don't know, but she got Jack to do for her what he has never done for me. He has actually been giving her the story of his life.”
Jane stood by listening with a smile of frank delight on her face.
“How did you do it, Jane?” asked Kathleen shyly. “He has never told me.”
“Oh, I just listened,” said Jane.
“That's a nasty jar for you others,” said Nora.
“But he told me something else, Kathleen,” said Jane with a bright blush, “and I am awfully glad.” As she spoke she went around to Kathleen and, kissing her, said, “It is perfectly lovely for you both.”