“Silly boy! Look out or you will run into the terrace.”
They had stopped in front of the doorway. Bathed in the golden rays from the entrance-hall, they stared at each other in startled silence.
“Anne, Anne,” Alexis’ voice was broken. He started to put his arms about her. She pushed him away gently.
“Be careful, Alexis. The servants are at the door. And don’t forget I am your cousin, Mme. Simone.”
He got out of the car with a groan. “What a farce. I hate it, Anne.”
“Not any more than I do!” she accepted his aid. Her eyes hovered over his miserable face comprehendingly, as she swept past him up the shallow steps.
“Madame est la bienvenue!”
A broad smile upon his ruddy face, Jules bowed low. He took Anne’s suitcase from Alexis with an air of tragedy.
“Monsieur should ’ave call me! Shall I take the box of Madame to ’er room?”
“If you please, Jules.” Alexis’ eyes were fixed upon Anne’s face. “Do you like it?”