"Dr. Robinson accepts the invitation of Señorita Vallois with pleasure," I replied, hoping to bring a smile to the scarlet lips. They did not bend, and I could see nothing but hauteur in her pale face and the drooping lashes of her eyes. I stepped up into the narrow space beside the chair, but it was not to stare about in search of Mrs. Merry.
"You do not look," she said with a trace of impatience.
"There is no need," I replied, my gaze downbent upon her cheek.
"No need?"
"The wife of the British Minister is not here."
"You have heard that she is ill?"
"No, señorita."
"Then how should you know that she is not here?"
"Because I have looked into the face of every lady present."
She smiled with a touch of scorn. "I had not thought the American gentlemen so gallant!"