"Over-night?"
"Longer, Monsieur."
"Hang it all!" I blurted out. "That spoils our perfectly delightful privacy."
Thusis observed me sideways. She wore the fine chemisette of some sheer stuff and the velvet bodice of the peasantry, both coquettish and cut low. Her straight short wool skirt and buckled slippers set off the fascinating costume of the Canton; but no peasant ever possessed such slender and thoroughbred loveliness.
I glanced down at her slim feet, at her hands so smooth and so prettily fashioned; I looked up into her gray eyes uneasily. And I thought to myself that I'd show the door to any guest who tried any nonsense with Thusis.
"Where are these tourists?" I asked sulkily.
"In the big lounging room."
As I started to descend the stairs Thusis touched me on the arm. A tiny and complex shock went quite through me at the contact.
"Don Michael?"
"Yes."