"
"I am just debating," I observed, "whether to sacrifice you."
"To sacrifice me, Mr. Carter?"
"Of course," I explained; "if I dropped you, Mrs. Hilary would
let me come again."
"How charming that would be!" cried Dolly. "You would enjoy her
nice serious conversation--all about Hilary!"
"She is apt, I conceded, "to touch on Hilary. But she is very
picturesque."
"Oh, yes, she's handsome," said Dolly.
There was a pause. Then Dolly said, "Well?"
"Well?" said I in return.
"It is goodbye?" asked Dolly, drawing down the corners of her
mouth.
"It comes to this," I remarked. "Supposing I forgive you--"
"As if it was my fault?"
"And risk Mrs. Hilary's wrath--did you speak?"
"No; I laughed, Mr. Carter."
"What shall I get out of it?"
The sun was shining brightly; it shone on Dolly; she had raised
her parasol, but she blinked a little beneath it. She was
smiling slightly still, and the dimple stuck to its post--like a
sentinel, ready to rouse the rest from their brief repose. Dolly
lay back in the victoria, nestling luxuriously against the soft
cushions. She turned her eyes for a moment on me.
"Why are you looking at me?" she asked.
"Because," said I, "there is nothing better to look at.
Pages:
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68