But I fear I
grew altogether too enthusiastic over the bit of scenery for,
presently, Lady Helen remarked dryly:
"One would never imagine you a lover of--nature."
I pulled myself up sharply. "Are my looks so much against me?"
"I don't see that looks have anything to do with it. I mean one does
not associate such tastes with professional soldiers. Nature, to them,
would normally represent only obstacles to overcome or advantages to be
utilized."
"But men do not look at everything through their professional eyes," I
laughed. "If they did, every lawyer when he saw you would have but the
one thought: 'What a glorious plaintiff for a breach of promise case.'"
"I suppose you think that complimentary," she said.
"It was not so intended."
"I trust not."
"I used it only to illustrate the proposition."
"Are you trying to make me quarrel with you?" she demanded.
"Surely not."
"Then let us avoid the personal."
"I will do anything to preserve the peace," I said--"and be shown those
other rides."
"The peace depends entirely upon yourself."
"And the rides?"
She studied her gloves a bit. "They depend upon your good behavior
and--the future." And now, something of the old sweetness was in her
smile.
Pages:
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81