Part 15 (2/2)
”You are living in town?” she asked pleasantly.
”Yes.”
”Of course; I forgot. I met a man last night who said you had entered the firm of Neergard & Co.”
”I have. Who was the man?”
”You can never guess, Captain Selwyn.”
”I don't want to. Who was he?”
”Please don't terminate so abruptly the few subjects we have in reserve.
We may be obliged to talk to each other for a number of minutes if Rosamund doesn't let us alone... . The man was 'Boots' Lansing.”
”'Boots!' Here!”
”Arrived from Manila Sunday. _Sans gene_ as usual he introduced you as the subject, and told me--oh, dozens of things about you. I suppose he began inquiring for you before he crossed the troopers' gangplank; and somebody sent him to Neergard & Co. Haven't you seen him?”
”No,” he said, staring at the brilliant fish, which glided along the crystal tank, goggling their eyes at the lights.
”You--you are living with the Gerards, I believe,” she said carelessly.
”For a while.”
”Oh, 'Boots' says that he is expecting to take an apartment with you somewhere.”
”What! Has 'Boots' resigned?”
”So he says. He told me that you had resigned. I did not understand that; I imagined you were here on leave until I heard about Neergard & Co.”
”Do you suppose I could have remained in the service?” he demanded. His voice was dry and almost accentless.
”Why not?” she returned, paling.
”You may answer that question more pleasantly than I can.”
She usually avoided champagne; but she had to do something for herself now. As for him, he took what was offered without noticing what he took, and grew whiter and whiter; but a fixed glow gradually appeared and remained on her cheeks; courage, impatience, a sudden anger at the forced conditions steadied her nerves.
”Will you please prove equal to the situation?” she said under her breath, but with a charming smile. ”Do you know you are scowling? These people here are ready to laugh; and I'd much prefer that they tear us to rags on suspicion of our over-friendliness.”
”Who is that fool woman who is monopolising your partner?”
”Rosamund Fane; she's doing it on purpose. You must try to smile now and then.”
”My face is stiff with grinning,” he said, ”but I'll do what I can for you--”
”Please include yourself, too.”
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