Part 21 (1/2)
”Yes. You consider me one of your friends?”
”Of course; don't ask foolish questions.”
Alan looked particularly well this morning. He was a picture of health, a well-groomed man; his eyes were bright as he looked at her, thinking how lovely she was.
To Eve he was more attractive than ever. She loved him with her whole heart and soul, every nerve in her body thrilled toward him; and there he stood, smiling at her placidly, when she longed for him to take her in his arms, crush her, pour out a tale of love into her waiting, willing ears. Why could he not see it?
She held herself in bounds, but it was difficult.
”When do you join the Sherwoods?” she asked.
”I have joined; I am on leave. I have to put a lot of things straight at Trent Park. I had no idea there was so much to do.”
”But you are not in uniform,” she said.
”No; I thought I'd come over in ordinary attire--you might have been startled to see me in khaki.”
”I certainly would have been.”
”Eve, I want you to do something for me when I go away,” he said.
Her heart beat fast, this was more promising.
”You know I am only too willing to do anything I can for you.”
”That's good of you. I want you to keep an eye on things at Trent Park.”
”You have a very capable housekeeper.”
”Oh, yes; but even she wants supervising sometimes.”
”And you think I can do it?” she asked with a smile.
”n.o.body can do it so well; you are accustomed to manage, always have been. I've heard my father say so, and of course I've noticed it myself,” said Alan.
He looked at her curiously, mischief in his eyes.
”I believe my governor was more than half in love with you, Eve,” he said.
She felt hot, uncomfortable; Alan's father had been very much in love, or infatuated, with her.
”How foolis.h.!.+ Don't be absurd, Alan,” she said hastily.
He had seen the change in her; he had sometimes wondered if his father had paid attentions to her, then dismissed the idea as ridiculous.
”Is it absurd?” he asked.
”You must know it is,” she said, with emphasis.
”The governor was rather a ladies' man,” he said smiling. He saw she was uncomfortable, and teased her.