The opportunity thus so unexpectedly afforded was not one to be wasted, and Keith accepted it with swift determination. The expression in the woman's face was scarcely one of welcome, yet his purpose was sufficiently serious to cause him to ignore this with easy confidence in himself.
“I am, indeed, most fortunate to discover you alone, Miss Maclaire,” he said, avoiding her eyes by a swift glance over the table, “and evidently at a time when you are only beginning your meal. May I join you?”
She hesitated for an instant, debating with herself, and as quickly deciding on disagreeable tactics.
“I presume this is a public table, and I consequently have little choice in the matter, if you insist,” she replied, her voice more civil than her words. “Still, Mr. Keith, I am not accustomed to associating with criminals.”
He smiled, holding his temper in check, more than ever determined to win.
“Then, possibly, you may rather welcome a new diversion. I can assure you our criminals out here are the most interesting portion of our population. I wish I might have your permission.”
Standing there before her, bare-headed, his slightly tanned face strong and manly, his gray eyes filled with humor, Miss Maclaire recognized again that he was not of the common herd, and the innate coquetry of her nature obtained mastery. What harm could it do for her to chat with him for half an hour? It was better than eating a lonely meal, and, besides, she might learn something of value to report to Hawley. Her own eyes brightened, the slight frown disappearing.
“You are certainly an illustration of your theory,” she said pleasantly. “I shall have to say yes, but, really, I did not suppose you would enjoy being ranked among that class.”
He drew out a chair, and sat down facing her, leaning slightly forward upon the intervening table.
“Nor would I, only I recognize you do not comprehend. The source of your information is a bit polluted, Miss Maclaire. There are those whose good opinion I do not seek, and you should not form your decisions on the unsupported testimony of a personal enemy.”