“Oh, I’m all right, but something’s gone wrong with the central heating since the afternoon. It was as cold as Siberia when I changed just now.” He held out a spray of catlias with a smile.
“Richard — how lovely.” She took the orchids. “You spoil me terribly. Look at all the lovely flowers you sent me this morning.” She waved her hand towards the roses and lilies that stood about making the room a perfect bower.
“I’m so glad you like them,” he said, softly.
She felt herself blushing under his gaze, and moving quickly over to the dressing-table, pinned on the orchids.
“I am so sorry you are miserable at your hotel,” she said, not looking at him.
“They’ll put it right,” he remarked, casually. “It’ll be on again by the time I get back tonight.”
“Richard,” she said, after a moment. “Would you mind if I came down to you in the lounge? I have one little matter that I would like to see to.”
“Of course,” he agreed. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
When he had gone Marie Lou picked up the house telephone; all their party, with the exception of Richard, were staying at the same hotel; she tried De Richleau’s room, but could get no reply, then she tried Rex — he was still dressing.
A wicked little smile lurked round the corners of her mouth while she was talking to him — his laughter came clearly over the line. “Sure,” he said, chuckling. “Sure, I’ll fix it!”