Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/146

 began to swing her hat on her forefinger, and she threw a look at me. I immediately looked up towards the branches above my head.

'We might as well go in to lunch,' said Dolly.

'By all means,' I acquiesced, with alacrity.

We went out into the sunshine, and came where the pots were. Suddenly Dolty said,—

'Go back and sit down again, Mr. Carter.'

'I want my lunch,' I ventured to observe.

'Do as I tell you,' said Dolly, stamping her foot; whereat, much intimidated, I went back, and stretched myself once more on the deck-chair.

Dolly approached a flower-pot. She stooped down, exerted her strength, lifted it, and carried it, not without effort, across the terrace. Again she did the like. I sat smoking and watching. She lifted a third pot, but dropped it half way. Then, dusting her hands against one another, she came back slowly into the shade and sat down. I made no remark. Dolly glanced at me.

'Well?' she said.

'Woman—woman—woman!' said I sadly.

'Must I carry some more?' asked Dolly, in a humble, yet protesting tone.

'Mrs. Hilary,' I began, 'is an exceedingly attractive'

Dolly rose with a sigh.

'Where are you going?' I asked.

'More pots,' said Dolly, standing opposite me. 'I must go on, you see.'