“You look tired, dearest one. Aren’t you well this afternoon?”
“My head aches a little.”
It was palpable to Alexis that her smile came with an effort. He laid his cheek against her hand with a low, crooning caress.
“Poor darling! What could have caused it? I’ve never known you to have one before.”
She passed a hand over her forehead in the futile gesture that accompanies headache. “I have only had one or two in my whole life.”
Her tired smile went to his heart.
“What do you think brought it on?” he persisted. “Have I worn you completely out?”
“Of course not, silly boy!” The over-brilliant eyes hovered upon him restlessly.
“Well, what is it then?” Anxiety rendered him brusque.
“I suppose it was my visit to the Marchesa this morning. It wasn’t an easy thing to do, Alexis.”