"What has disturbed your usual equanimity, Euan? You seem as flushed and impatient as—as a lover at a tryst, for example."
At that I coloured so hotly that she laughed and took my arm, saying:
"There is no sport in plaguing so honest a heart as yours, dear lad. Come; shall we walk over to call upon your fairy princess? Or had you rather bring her here to me?"
"She also leaves it to your pleasure," I said; "Naturally," said Mrs. Bleecker, with a touch of hauteur; then, softening, smiled as much at herself as at me, I think.
"Come," she said gaily. "Sans cérémonie, n'est-ce pas?"
And we sauntered down the road.
"Her box arrived last evening," said I. "God send that Mr. Hake has chosen to please her."
"Is he married?"
"No."
"Lord!" said she gravely. "Then it is well enough that you pray.... Perhaps, however," and she gave me a mischievous look, "you have entrusted such commissions to Mr. Hake before."