Part 42 (1/2)
”Is that Mr. Harleston?” said Mrs. Clephane's lovely voice--and Harleston's grin almost flowed into the transmitter.
”It is indeed!” he responded--then severely: ”Where have you been, my lady? You have given me a most horrible fright.”
”I cry your pardon, my lord; I'll not transgress again,” she laughed.
”And if you don't scold me I'll tell you something--something I'm sure will be worth even a diplomat's hearing.”
”Anything you would tell would be well worth any diplomat's hearing,”
said he; ”only I shall always prefer to be the diplomat on duty when you are doing the telling!”
”That's deliciously nice, Mr. Harleston; I--”
”Where are you now?” he demanded.
”At the Chateau--in my apartment. Anything more?”
”Nothing; except to pray you to be prudent and not do it again.”
”I'll promise--until I see you.” She lowered her voice--”Are you there, Mr. Harleston?”
”I'm here--since I can't be with you there,” he replied.
”a.s.suredly not! I'm not exactly in receiving attire. Meanwhile the morning--and Madame Brunette's doings. Good-night, _Mon camarade_.”
XIX
MARSTON
At nine o'clock the next morning, Marston tapped gently on the door of Madeline Spencer's apartment, and was immediately admitted by the demure maid; who greeted him with a smile, which he repaid with a kiss--several of them, indeed--and an affectionate and pressing arm to her shapely and slender waist.
”I suppose monsieur wants to see my mistress,” said she.
”Now that I've seen you, yes, little one,” Marston returned, with another kiss.
”Have you seen me, monsieur?”
”Not half long enough, my love; but business before pleasure. There's another now, so run along and do your devoir.”
She fetched him a tiny slap across his cheek, for which she was caught and made to suffer again; then she wriggled loose, and, with a flirty backward kick at him, disappeared through the inner doorway.
In a moment she returned, dropped him a bit of curtsy, and informed him that her mistress would receive him.
He rewarded her with another caress, which she accepted with a.s.sumed shyness--and a wicked little pinch.
”I'll pay you later for the pinch!” he tossed back, softly.
She answered with an affected shrug and a wink.