"Of course she is. I—I don't mean it in criticism—and I love Cynthia—but I think she is a trifle temperamental—as well as being the dearest, sweetest girl in the world——"
She took his arm with a pretty confidence of ownership that secretly thrilled him, and they went down stairs together, she talking all the while.
"Didn't I tell you?" she whispered, as they caught a glimpse of the library in passing, where Cairns stood holding Cynthia's hands between his own and kissing them. "Wait, Jim, darling! You mustn't interrupt them——"
"I'm going to!" he said, exasperated. "I want to know what they're going to do——"
"Jim!"
"Oh, all right, dear. Only they gave me a good scare when I wanted to be alone with you."
She pressed his arm slightly:
"You haven't noticed my gown."
"It's a dream!" He kissed her shoulder lace, and she flushed and caught his arm, then laughed, disconcerted by her own shyness.
Farris presented himself with a tray of cocktails.