Part 47 (2/2)
”I think--we may still finish our game of chess, Christabel;” and he came over to the board and examined the position of the men.
CHAPTER XXIV
WHAT THE DUKE MEANT
”There is always this about chess,” said his Excellency, when I had taken my place opposite to him; ”you cannot play it unless you detach your thoughts from all other matters.”
”I don't wish to detach mine,” I returned.
”Then I shall certainly beat you; for I intend to detach mine, at all events for a few moves. Now study this position;” and he insisted on talking chess for some minutes, and then we played. Gradually the fascination which the game always had laid hold of me, and, concentrating my thoughts upon it, I began to play very carefully, until I caught my old friend's eyes studying my face instead of the game.
”I think you are playing earnestly now, so that we may as well stop and talk. While I light a cigar, think back to your conversation, and then tell me your impressions.”
He was unusually deliberate in choosing and lighting his cigar, and leaving the chess table threw himself into an easy lounge chair and smoked for a while in silence.
”Well--what are the impressions?”
”You have disturbed them and me,” I replied.
”Intentionally.”
”Just as you intentionally misled me about your 'old comrade'.”
”He made me do that; but I knew you would see through it; and I had no scruple.”
”But _he_ was surprised when I told him who he was.”
”No man likes to have his incognito fail him. But your impressions.”
”I think he will do what he said--and what I wish. You know what he promised?
”Oh yes, that of course.”
”He did not come prepared to do it.”
”No. You have made another convert, Christabel. He is charmed with you. You are a wonderful little lady.”
”I did not exert many charms. I was just as hard as a stone, and then said things that made him look as if he would gladly have taken me by the throat with those talon hands of his.”
”It was that daring of yours that won him round. I don't know all you said; but from what he told me, I should think he was never spoken to in such a way before by man or woman--or child; for you are really little more than a child.”
”What do you think he meant to do in coming here?” I asked.
”That was what made me so thoughtful during dinner.”
”You are keeping something from me.”
”I?”
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