"
Dehra smiled brightly. "Spencer's dead face is a mentality infinitely
more potent than my living one; but I think the two should hold you.
Yet, I hate that woman yonder. I believe she has dared to follow you
here."
I shook my head. "Never in my life have I used words to woman such as
I used to her in Pittsburgh. Oh, no, she has not followed me."
"Then, why is she here--so soon after your coming?" Dehra persisted.
"Why do thousands visit Dornlitz every month?" I asked.
"She is no casual visitor."
"Very likely," I agreed. "Madeline Spencer is not the sort to do
casual travelling. She has an object--but it is not I."
"I wish I could feel secure of it."
"Do you mean it's I you doubt, dear?" I asked.
She gave me her sweetest smile. "I shall doubt you, Armand, only when
you yourself order me to--and, even then, I may disregard the order."
Before such love a man falls abject in his absolute unworthiness.
"I don't deserve such trust, sweetheart," I answered humbly--and I
think my voice broke in the saying.
"I'll risk it," she replied. "If I were as sure that woman's presence
meant no harm to you I would be altogether easy."
"What harm could she possibly do to an Archduke of Valeria?" I laughed.
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