"
"We are getting away from the main point," I said. "You were about to
tell me why you came to Dornlitz."
She arose languidly, and began to draw on her gloves.
"Oh, was I? Well, then, I've changed my mind."
"I bid you good-day, Mrs. Spencer," I said, and turned away.
She gave a light laugh. "Aren't you glad to be rid of me, dear?"
I faced about.
"Very," I said bluntly.
She put out a hand, as though to ward off a blow, and her face flushed,
an instant.
"Armand, my dear----" she began.
I turned my back and walked toward the window.
Then, there came the rustle of silk behind me--a soft arm was flung
about my neck, and a tear-choked voice exclaimed:
"Haven't you one kind word for me, dear?"
I reached up and put her arm sharply aside.
"It seems to me, madame, there has been enough of this nonsense," I
said. "There is no gallery here to play to, as you had in the Hanging
Garden."
She studied my face a moment--drawing her tiny lace handkerchief
nervously from hand to hand.
"I must ask you to leave my office immediately," I went on. "If you
decline, I shall leave and not return until you have gone."
She slowly drew herself up, and stepped back.
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