"He uses me in business.... I am too valuable to misuse."
The girl looked down at her folded hands. And even Warner divined what ultimate chances she stood in the Cabaret de Biribi.
"When I'm in Ausone again, I'll come to see you," he said pleasantly. "—Not to make love to you, Philippa," he added with a smile, "but just because we have become such good friends out here in the Lys."
"Yes," she said, "friends. I shall be glad to see you. I shall always try to understand you—whatever you say to me."
"That's as it should be!" he exclaimed heartily. "Give me your hand on it, Philippa."
She laid her hand in his gravely. They exchanged a slight pressure. Then he glanced at his watch, rose, and picked up the pole.
"I've got to drive to Saïs in time for dinner," he remarked. "I'm sorry, because I'd like to stay out here with you."
"I'm sorry, too," she said.
The next moment the punt shot out into the sunny stream.
CHAPTER IV