Part 25 (2/2)
It was Mizzi
CHAPTER XX
THRILL UPON THRILL
This ti It was no occasion for tenderness or chivalry: brusk silent action was the cue Seizing the stricken Mizzi by the arm with one hand, he clapped the other over her ing, he forced her along the few reled at first, but soon realized her helplessness and allowed him to have his way When he had her safely inside, Lionel locked the door quietly and sat down in high feather on the bed He felt he was beginning to earn his salary at last
”Do sit down,” he suggested politely ”Weconversation before we part I can recoed her shoulders philosophically and obeyed She was breathing a little quickly fro as ever, and his heart harbored a rebellious thought
”Hard luck that I seeirl!” he mused ”Well, it must be no nonsense now, my friend Saint Anthony, forward!” He studied Mizzi's face attentively for a minute, and then asked bluntly, ”Noill you kindly tell me what you have done with those papers?”
”What papers?” she asked with surpassing innocence ”I have no idea what you mean”
”Oh, don't be silly!” he said impatiently ”Why need we beat about the bush? You knoell enough Explain”
”I know this,” she said viciously, ”that you findme here at this unseemly hour and lock me in! And you ask me to explain! The explanation is due frolish call Mrs Grundy?”
”She's snoring now,” he snity and entleman,” she said scornfully, ”you will releaseHe sensed his triumph already
”After what?”
”Your explanation”
She sat down again and looked keenly at hith of his deter to explain,” she said presently ”If I had, you could not compel me If you atte,” he said urbanely ”Start now I haven't the least objection”
Mizzi re the point Then she laughed frankly, as if ad his coolness ”Ah! that's better!” he approved ”Now, perhaps, we shall get on”
”But no!” she said quickly, ”I shall not screa care ofWhat next, an to fill a pipe in leisurely fashi+on
”You don't ?” he asked forhted the tobacco, apparently preoccupied ”What next? you ask This Have you ever seen that Pinero play, _The Gay Lord Quex_?”
She shook her head, puzzled
”Ah! that's a pity, for I a to borrow a hint if you are difficile If you refuse to confess I ”
”And then?”
”Then I shall ring for -water And where's your character?”