Altogether she was a very charming picture; and throwing away his
cigarette, he lighted a cigar and settled back to watch the play of her
features and hear the melody of her voice. He was a trifle impressed
with the lady--and he was willing that the tale require time and
attention. Furthermore, it was his business to observe her critically,
so that he might decide as to the matter in hand. In the present
instance his business was very much to his liking, but that did not make
it any the less business.
Something of which the lady may have suspected and was prepared to
humour. A man must be humoured at times--particularly when the woman is
trying for something that can only be come at through his favour or
acquiescence.
"To begin at the beginning will make it a long story," she warned.
"Then by all means begin it there," he answered.
"You can endure it?"
"I'm very comfortable; we are alone; and the _light_ is admirable."
"Same here!" she smiled, with a tantalizing glance from the brown eyes.
"Can you start me?"
"I might, but I won't. The glory shall all be yours."
"I'm glad there is to be some glory in this affair; there's been little
enough so far. However, to begin."
"No hurry, my dear Madame X.
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