And even these indications disappeared at the knock on
the corridor door; and she went almost blithely and flung it back--to
Harleston bowing on the threshold.
"Punctual as usual!" she greeted.
"Because I came to one who is always punctual," he replied, taking her
hand, nor dropping it until they were well inside the reception room.
"Sit down, old enemy," said she, sinking into a chair and pointing to
another--which she had been careful to place just within reach. "You've
nothing much to do for a short while, have you?"
"I've nothing much to do any time except to keep an eye on you!" he
laughed.
"Am I so difficult?" she asked.
"You keep me fairly occupied at all times--and sometimes rather more."
"At least I endeavour not to offend your eye!" she smiled, her head on
her hand, her eyes on him.
"The only difficulty is that you are too alluring," he returned. "One is
prone to forget that his business is not to admire but to observe
dispassionately and to block your plans. You're much too beautiful,
Madeline; you usually make monkeys of all of us, and while we're held
fascinated by your loveliness you scoop the prize. It's not fair, my
lady; you play with--loaded dice."
"Flatterer!" she said, melting into another pose.
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