From all I can learn, the gentleman isn't much but
bumptiousness and wind. To either you or me, Guy, he should be easy."
"The play," Harleston explained, "is that the Secretary has heard of you
and wishes to see the remarkable woman who--almost upset a throne."
"His wish shall be gratified," she shrugged. "Will you come for me, or
am I to go to him--a rendezvous _a deux_?"
"I'll escort you to him--afterward it will depend on you."
"Very good!" she replied--"but all the same I wonder what's the game."
"The Secretary's wish and curiosity is the only game," he replied.
"Far be it from me to balk either--when something may result of
advantage to your--"
"--beautiful and fascinating self," he interjected.
She raised her eyebrows and laughed scornfully, as the lift bore her
upwards.
XVI
ANOTHER LETTER
Harleston sauntered through Peacock Alley; not finding Mrs. Clephane, he
had himself announced and went up to her apartment.
Outwardly he was impassive; inwardly there was the liveliest sensation
of eagerness and anticipation. He could not recall a time when he had so
much joy in living, and in the expectation of the woman. And when he
felt Mrs. Clephane's small hand in his, and heard her bid him welcome,
and looked into her eyes, he was well content to be alive--and with her.
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