Part 5 (1/2)
”Thank you!”
”There!... Proof positive! I won't speak; I won't risk it. I am most anxious not to offend you, and you shan't force my hand.”
She tapped impatiently with the toe of her shoe.
CHAPTER V
PLAYING WITH FIRE
Miss Mivvins was annoyed; the impatient tapping was evidence of it. Not that a little exhibition of temper in any way detracted from her personal appearance. On the contrary, the air of petulance heightened her charms.
”You are just like a man!”
Her speech was accompanied by another toss of her shapely head.
”Isn't that twisting things round? You mean that he never gives a reason for what he says or does?”
”Yes.”
Resumption of tattoo with her foot on the ground. It made him exclaim:
”I knew I was right! What if I tell you that I am a mind reader?”
”I would not be a bit surprised!”
He was: greatly. Could not understand what she meant; queried:
”You wouldn't?”
”No.”
”I am--to hear you say it. Why?”
”Because in this book of yours I am reading”--she held it up--”I see you believe in palmistry.”
”Come, come!” He was genuine in his expostulation. ”I make one of my characters believe in it.”
”Then you do not?”
She had him in a corner; was merciless. He tried to wriggle out; said:
”I did not say so.”
It was an infecund effort on his part. She pinned him in still further; was that kind of woman.
”What does that mean? That you do and you do not?”
There was nothing for him but to fence; he answered: