CHAPTER VI
Domini drew back and glanced at Smain. She was not accustomed to feeling intrusive, and the sudden sensation rendered her uneasy.
“It is Monsieur the Count,” Smain said calmly and quite aloud.
The man in the doorway took off his soft hat, as if the words effected an introduction between Domini and him.
“You were coming to see my little room, Madame?” he said in French. “If I may show it to you I shall feel honoured.”
The timbre of his voice was harsh and grating, yet it was a very interesting, even a seductive, voice, and, Domini thought, peculiarly full of vivid life, though not of energy. His manner at once banished her momentary discomfort. There is a freemasonry between people born in the same social world. By the way in which Count Anteoni took off his hat and spoke she knew at once that all was right.
“Thank you, Monsieur,” she answered. “I was told at the gate you gave permission to travellers to visit your garden.”
“Certainly.”
He spoke a few words in fluent Arabic to Smain, who turned away and disappeared among the trees.
“I hope you will allow me to accompany you through the rest of the garden,” he said, turning again to Domini. “It will give me great pleasure.”