Part 32 (2/2)

Sarre stayed with her until they went in to dinner and as her partners

were both middle-aged, rather learned gentlemen intent on entertaining her, she became quite easy with them, and afterwards, in the vast, grand drawing room, she found the ladies just as friendly.

They drove the short distance home in silence, but once indoors with Al hovering with coffee and the lamps alight in the drawing room, Sarre suggested that they should sit together for a little while before going to bed.

They were drinking their coffee when he remarked gently: ”You have never looked lovelier, Alethea.

I'm very proud of you--you caused quite a sensation.

' ”I'm glad you're pleased.

' She eyed him over her coffee cup.

He looked quite a sensation himself.

He got up and crossed over to where she was sitting on one of the sofas and sat down beside her.

She nearly dropped her cup when he picked up a fold other skirt.

”I'm sure no one else could see it, perhaps it's because I've been studying you so closely this evening--there's a very faint mark on your

skirt--water, perhaps?

' He smiled at her, his eyebrows raised slightly.

She put the cup down, unaware of the deep breath she took before she

spoke.

”Oh, lord, can you really see it?

I thought it had gone completely.

I--I spilt some water while I was dressing--such a b.u.t.terfingers--does

it show very much?

' ”It's almost invisible,” he a.s.sured her easily.

”So that's why you were uptight this evening.

' She was quite unaware of the relief in her face.

”Yes--I hoped no one would see it.

' She looked at him.

”T hope it's not spoilt.

' He sounded positively soothing.

”Let Mrs McCrea have it; she's a wizard with catastrophes.

Did she like the dress?

' Happy to be off dangerous ground, Alethea said: ”Yes, and so did

Al.

They're dears.

' ”You've seen more of them than of me, I'm afraid.

Things should be easier next week, though, Wien and will be back and

I'll be able to take some time off.

I have to go to Hamburg shortly, though, but remember that you're coming with me.

' She got to her feet, and he stood up, towering over her.

”T'll simply love that,” she told him, 'and it was a lovely evening.

' She touched the necklace.

”And thank you for these.

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