But
he did not mean to be disarmed.
"I did not think anything of the kind," he said, returning to the fire
and looking down upon her; "simply because I know you too well."
Alicia reddened a little. It was one of her attractions that she flushed
so easily.
"Because you know me too well?" she repeated. "Let me see. That means
that you don't believe my turn will ever come?"
Marsham smiled.
"Your turn for what?" he said, dryly.
"I think we are getting mixed up!" Her laugh was as musical as he
remembered it. "Let's begin again. Ah! here comes Cousin Lucy!"
Lady Lucy entered, ushering in an elderly relation, a Miss Falloden,
dwelling also in Eaton Square: a comfortable lady with a comfortable
income; a social stopper of chinks, moreover, kind and talkative; who
was always welcome on occasions when life was not too strenuous or the
company too critical. Marsham offered her his arm, and the little party
made its way to the dining-room.
* * * * *
"Do you go back to the House, Oliver, to-night?" asked his mother, as
the entree went round.
He replied in the affirmative, and resumed his conversation with Alicia.
Pages:
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434