Part 84 (1/2)

He went before her and mounted the stairs, taking long strides. She followed him eagerly, yet with a feeling of apprehension. What would it be--this portrait finished at last? d.i.c.k Garstin was cruelly fond of revelation. She thought of his judge who ought to be judged, of other pictures of his. Had he caught and revealed the secret of Arabian?

”Now then!”

But Garstin still hesitated.

”Sit here!”

She obeyed, and sat down on a sofa with the window behind her.

”I'll have a smoke.”

”Oh!”

He went to the Spanish cabinet, and stood with his back to her, apparently searching. He lifted things, put them back. She glowed with almost furious impatience. At last he found the cigars. Probably he had never had to seek for them. He lit up.

”Now then--a drink!”

”Oh, d.i.c.k!” she breathed.

But she made no other protest.

”Will you?”

”No!” she said sharply.

Then she gazed at him and said:

”Yes.”

He poured out whisky for her and himself, added some soda water, and lifted his gla.s.s.

”To Arabian!” he said.

”Why should we drink to Mr. Arabian?”

”He has done me a good turn.”

There was a look in his eyes now which she did not like, a very intelligent and cruel look. She knew it well. It expressed almost blatantly the man's ruthlessness. She did not inquire what the good turn was, but raised her gla.s.s slowly and drank.

”Your hand trembles, my girl!” said Garstin.

”Nonsense! It does not! Now please show me the portrait. I will not wait any longer.”

”Here you are then!”

He went over to a distant easel, pulled it forward with its back to them, then, when it was near to the sofa, turned it round.

”There he is!”

Miss Van Tuyn sat very still and gazed. After turning the easel d.i.c.k Garstin had gone to stand behind the sofa and her. She heard him making a little ”t'p! t'p!” with his lips, getting rid, perhaps, of an adherent sc.r.a.p of tobacco leaf. After what seemed to both of them a very long time she spoke.