Part 24 (2/2)

”The draughts are dreadful here again, Comtesse,” he said, plaintively.

”Why did you not go into the library, then,” I said, ”or the billiard-room, or one of the drawing-rooms?”

”I thought perhaps you might pa.s.s this way and would give me your advice as to which room to choose.”

I laughed. ”The library, then, I suggest,” and I started as if to go up the stairs.

”Comtesse! You would not leave me all alone, would you? You have not told me half enough about our ancestors yet.”

”Oh, I am tired of the ancestors!” and I mounted one step and looked back.

”I thought perhaps you would help me to tie up my wrist.”

I came down instantly. If he were pretending, I would punish him later.

”Come,” I said, and led the way to the library, where we found the fire had gone out.

How ashamed I felt of the servants! This must never happen again.

”Not here; it is cold and horrid.” And he followed me on into my mother-in-law's boudoir. There were no lights and no fire.

My wrath rose.

”It must be your mustard sitting-room, after all,” said Antony. So up the stairs we went. Here, at all events, the fire blazed, and the room glowed with brilliancy.

Roy was lying on the rug and seemed enchanted to see us.

”Is it really hurting you?” I said, hurriedly.

”No, not hurting--only a stupid little scratch.” And he undid his s.h.i.+rt-cuff and turned up his sleeve.

”Oh!” I exclaimed. ”Oh, I am so sorry!”

One of the shots had grazed the skin and made a nasty cut, which was plastered up with sticking-plaster and clumsily tied with a handkerchief.

”My servant is not a genius at this sort of thing. Will you do it better, Comtesse?”

I bound the handkerchief as neatly as I could, and, for some unexplained reason, as once before at Harley, my heart beat in my throat. I could feel his eyes watching me, although my head was bent.

I did not look up until the arm was finished. His s.h.i.+rt was of the finest fine. There was some subtle scent about his coat that pleased me. A faint perfume, as of very good cigars--nothing sweet and effeminate, like a woman. It intensely appealed to me. I felt--I felt--oh, I do not know at all what my feelings meant. I tried to think of grandmamma, and how she would have told me to behave when I was nervous. I had never been so nervous in my life before.

”You--you will not shoot to-morrow?” I faltered.

”Of course I shall. You must not trouble about this at all, Comtesse.

It is the merest scratch, and was a pure accident. He is an excellent fellow, Mr.--er--Dodd is his name, is it not? Only pity is he did not shoot his wife, poor fellow!”

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