But you must know that I've been
in London several times within the last few years, and you might very
well think that just now is a rather inopportune time--"
She cut him short. "Nonsense. One of the pleasantest things about
success is that it makes people want to look one up, if that's what you
mean. I'm like every one else--more agreeable to meet when things are
going well with me. Don't you suppose it gives me any pleasure to do
something that people like?"
"Does it? Oh, how fine it all is, your coming on like this! But I didn't
want you to think it was because of that I wanted to see you." He spoke
very seriously and looked down at the floor.
Hilda studied him in wide-eyed astonishment for a moment, and then
broke into a low, amused laugh. "My dear Mr. Alexander, you have strange
delicacies. If you please, that is exactly why you wish to see me. We
understand that, do we not?"
Bartley looked ruffled and turned the seal ring on his little finger
about awkwardly.
Hilda leaned back in her chair, watching him indulgently out of her
shrewd eyes. "Come, don't be angry, but don't try to pose for me, or to
be anything but what you are. If you care to come, it's yourself I'll
be glad to see, and you thinking well of yourself. Don't try to wear a
cloak of humility; it doesn't become you. Stalk in as you are and don't
make excuses. I'm not accustomed to inquiring into the motives of my
guests. That would hardly be safe, even for Lady Walford, in a great
house like this.
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