The girl had little
self-confidence; but the man appeared to be troubled with no doubts of
her or of the future. Over their coffee and toast and hot-house fruit, he
began to propose exciting plans, and had got as far as an automobile when
the voice of the Countess surprised them.
She had come close to their table without being heard.
"Good morning!" she exclaimed. "I was going out, but from far off I saw
you two, with your profiles cut like silhouettes against all this glass
and sunshine. I couldn't resist asking how Miss Grayle slept, and if
there's anything I can do for her in the shops?"
As she spoke her eyes dwelt on Annesley's plain toque and old-fashioned
shabby coat, as if to emphasize the word "shops." The girl flushed, and
Smith frowned at the Countess.
"No, thank you," he replied for Annesley. "There's nothing we need
trouble you about till the wedding to-morrow afternoon. You can put on
your gladdest rags then, and be one of our witnesses. I believe that's
the legal term, isn't it?"
"I do not know," said the Countess with a suppressed quiver in her voice,
and a flash in the eyes fixed studiously on the river.
Pages:
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120