With a sigh of relinquishment, she relaxed in his arms.
A bell pealed derisively through the house.
Alexis sprung to his feet with an impatient exclamation. Anne sat up hastily and smoothed her hair with nervous fingers.
“What is it?”
“The door bell.” He was pale from the sudden recoil.
“But does any one know you are here? Who can it be at this hour?”
“God knows.” Their eyes met in sudden confusion, a sweet secret shame, then scattered self-consciously.
Came a discreet knock on the door, and Jules entered.
“Excuse it, Monsieur, but zere is a lady who desires to speak to Monsieur.” His air of apology was comical.
“Did she say who she was?” Alexis’ voice was elaborately careless.