Part 82 (1/2)
Mrs. Enslee answered with a sudden frigidity, ”Of course, but I'll not wait. Good-by.”
”Good-by!” said Persis, uneasily, and left the room. The moment she was gone Mrs. Enslee put her hand on Willie's arm and spoke in some confusion.
”Willie, I--it's very hard for me to say it. But I think you allow Persis too much liberty.”
Willie snorted. ”Gad! a lot of good it does an American husband to try to manage his wife!”
”I know, and Persis is very headstrong,” Mrs. Enslee faltered; ”but--well, if anything happens, remember I tried to--”
”Enjoying the luxury of an 'I told you so' already, eh?” Willie sneered.
”What's up?”
”Oh, nothing--nothing definite--but I--I'm just a little uneasy. It can't hurt to keep your eyes open, can it?”
She had said this much at last. Willie took it solemnly. ”What could hurt a man worse than to have to watch his wife?”
”Well, if that's the way you feel, just forget what I've said. I'm a foolish old woman. Good-by!”
Willie let her make her way out unattended. He stood musing till Persis came back, then he wakened with a start, and demanded, ”Who was it telephoned you?”
The question took Persis by surprise. ”No one that would interest you.”
”Are you sure?”
”Since when this sudden concern in my affairs?”
”Aren't your affairs mine?” he pleaded; but she was curt:
”Indeed they're not. I don't nag you with questions.”
He answered this with a sorrowful humility. ”Sometimes I wish you would take a little more interest.”
”You're in a funny mood,” she said, more gently.
”It's not very funny to me,” he groaned.
”You'll feel better after dinner. Run along and let Brooks dress you.”
”What about you?”
”I had my hair done while I was out. I've got to wait for Nichette to get back. I--I'll come up as soon as I--as soon as I write a letter or two.”
”All right,” he sighed, and went out obediently, but paused to stare at her with a curious craftiness.
CHAPTER LXIV
Persis awaited his departure impatiently, tapping her foot with restlessness. She fell into reverie of indefinite duration. The bell rang. She gave a start of joy. Crofts went by on his way to the door.
She checked him. ”I'm expecting Captain Forbes.” He got the name on the third iteration. ”If it is he, show him in here.” He nodded and set out again. She called after him, ”If it is any one else I'm not at home.”
She ran to a mirror, preened herself expectantly, and waited with a look of joy. Crofts returned with a card. Persis took it, and asked, ”You told her I was out?”