Part 21 (1/2)
Middleton hinted at pre-payment.
”I'm not allowed to take that,” she said. ”Come, I will ask for what I want when the time comes. You won't refuse me?”
”It's a little vague,” he said, with an uneasy laugh.
”Oh, I can go away.” And she turned toward the door.
”Whatever you like,” he cried hastily.
”Ah, that's better. I shall not take anything of great value.”
She gave him her hand. He ventured on a slight pressure. The lady did not seem to notice it, and her hand lay quite motionless in his.
”To-morrow, then?” he said.
”Yes. I won't trouble you to call a cab. I shall walk.”
”Have you far to go?”
”Oh, some little way; but it's an easy road.”
”Can't I escort you?”
”Not to-night. Some day, I hope”--and she stepped into the street and disappeared round the corner.
Punctually the next day she reappeared. Apart from her incomparable beauty--and every time she came, Middleton was more convinced that it was incomparable--she was a charming companion. She was very well read, and her knowledge of the world was wonderful.
”I wish it wasn't rude to ask your age!” he exclaimed one day.
”Ah, I am older than I look. My work keeps me young.”
”Are you very busy, then?”
”I am always busy. But I don't grudge the time I give to you. No, don't thank me. I am to be paid, you know.” And she laughed merrily. If there were a flaw in her, it was her laugh. Middleton thought it rather a cruel laugh.
”Do you know,” he resumed, ”you have never told me your name yet.”
”I am here _incognita_.”
”You will tell me some day?”
”Yes, you shall know some day.”
”Before we part forever?”
”Perhaps we shall not part--forever.”
Middleton said he hoped not; but what would Angela say?
”My name is not so pretty a one as your _fiancee's_,” the lady continued.