Part 34 (1/2)

' He spread himself out on the gra.s.s beside her and closed his eyes.

”T should like you to wear it.

' ”Oh all right.

Does Al pack for you, or shall I do it?

' He opened one eye.

”Al rather fancies himself as a valet, you might hurt his feelings.

' She said slowly: ”T don't feel that I'm being of much use to

anyone.

' She wasn't looking at him, so she didn't see the sharp glance he gave

her downcast face.

”You're being of the greatest use.

Besides, you're not only useful, you're ornamental as well.

' She allowed Rough to wander away.

Sarre looked very placid lying there; perhaps it was the right time to

ask about Anna.

”T thought Anna might have called to see us,” she said at length, keeping her voice casual.

”She sees me every day.

' ”Yes, I know that,” persisted Alethea, determined to keep to the

subject at all costs now she had started it.

”But you did say that she was a very old friend.

I expected her to.

I thought we might see more of her--she hasn't been at all.

' Sarre had his eyes closed again.

”Jealous, my dear?

' he asked softly.

She flared up at once.

There was no expression on his face at all, and she suddenly wanted to

stir him up.

”No,” she told him waspishly.

”How could I be?

One must love someone to be jealous of them.

' ”You're wrong, my dear.

If one loves enough, there is no jealousy.

' He sat up.