Here was the very chance to begin to mold her to his will. To awake her latent love of luxury, to lead her out step by step into the confidential delights of wine and song, and to find out the shady places where Love lurks, an archer unawares. Yes. He would begin to mold this woman to his will.
Vreeland desired to let the loneliness of a great city aid him in his easy approach. And to hurry slowly and be wise. He had noted the friendly cordiality of the two young women. “If the new assistant would only play into his hands, and help to outwit the pale spy.
“If she can throw this little spy off her guard—if I can get them both to begin to enjoy themselves a little, and then drop into an easy, hidden intimacy with Miss Romaine, then my patroness’ little spy game here will be useless.
“For, if that woman learned to love a man, she would go through fire and water for him.”
The throbbing of his heart made his voice tremble, and the veiled purpose of his crafty soul crept into his eyes, though they only rested on her superbly molded arms and slender, delicate hands, when he carelessly said: “If you would kindly leave me your private address, Miss Garland, I might need it. There may be some extra call of duty. I might wish to communicate with you.”
There was a slight flush upon her cheek as the delicate lips slowly parted.
“I live at some distance, Mr. Vreeland, with private friends, and it would be impossible for me to render you any other services than as arranged. I have no one to escort me, and I never receive visitors.” The voice was as cold as the glacier’s rills.
Her beauty shone out as pure as an Easter lily, when she simply said: “Miss Kelly will, however, send any communication you might have to make. I am an absolute stranger in New York. The references which I gave Miss Marble are from old friends in Buffalo. I can, however, at all times, stay as late as Miss Kelly does, on any occasion when you may have overwork.”
The young Diana’s pure brow was loftily brave in its innocence.
Vreeland’s eyes hungrily followed her as she moved quietly away in answer to his grave bow of dismissal.