Part 31 (1/2)
His first impulse was to promptly accept this suggestion, yet what was the good? If he did not meet them to-day he must do so to-morrow. It was best to get it over with. The quicker he got to know the people the easier it would be for him. If he seemed to avoid meeting them, it might only arouse suspicion. Shaking his head, he said:
”No, dear. That's all right. I'm glad they're coming. It will liven things up.”
Helen's face brightened. It was the first cheerful remark he had made.
”That's what I think. You must forget what you have gone through.
After all it's not so bad, but it might be a lot worse. Mr. Parker will feel badly about the stones, of course, because he had counted on making capital out of the advertising they would receive. But who knows? Perhaps it's all for the best. They may find other stones even more valuable.”
A sudden knock at the door interrupted them.
”Come in,” called out Helen.
The maid appeared.
”Mr. Parker is downstairs, m'm.”
”Good gracious! Here already for dinner. What time is it?”
”Seven o'clock, m'm.”
”All right. I'll be down immediately.”
The girl went away and Helen turned to her companion.
”Now, hurry, dear, won't you? Dinner is ready. The guests are arriving. Dress quickly and come down.”
He still held her hand.
”You're not angry with me?” he whispered.
”Why should I be angry?”
”Because of the diamonds.”
”No, indeed--it was you I wanted, not the diamonds.”
Drawing her to him, he kissed her. But her lips were cold. There was no response to his ardor. She could not herself have explained why.
She felt no inclination to respond to his caresses, which at any other time she would have returned with warmth. With a slight shade of impatience she broke away.
”We have no time for that now, Kenneth. Our guests are waiting.”
”That's right,” he replied, with a smile that did not escape her.
”We've no time now. But the night is still before us.”
”Will you come soon?”