Now and then her eyes strayed to Kirk with a look that made his
blood move quicker. It boded well for the success of his plans,
and filled him with a fierce, hot gladness. But how the moments
dragged!
General Alfarez entered the room amid a buzz of comment. Then, as
he greeted his rival, Garavel, with a smile and a handshake, a
round of applause broke forth. The members of the Commission
sought them both out, and congratulations were exchanged. At last
the Garavel boom was launched in earnest.
Mrs. Cortlandt expressed a desire to sit out the fourth dance.
"So, your engagement to Miss Garavel is broken?" she began, when
she and Kirk had seated themselves in two of the big rockers that
lined the porch.
"All smashed to pieces, running-gear broken, steering-knuckle
bent, gasolene tank punctured. I need a tow."
"You take it calmly."
"What's the use of struggling? I'm no Samson to go around pulling
down temples."
"Did you expect her to yield so tamely?"
"I didn't know she had yielded. In fact, I haven't had a chance to
talk to her."
"But she has. Mr. Garavel told me not an hour ago that as soon as
he explained his wishes she consented to marry Ramon without a
protest."
"A refusal would have meant the death of the old man's chances, I
presume.
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