Page:Confidence (London, Macmillan & Co., 1921).djvu/194

 She walked away toward another door, which was masked with a curtain that she lifted.

"I am glad to hear that, for it gives me courage to say that I am very tired, and that I beg you will excuse me."

She glanced at him a moment over her shoulder; then she passed out, dropping the curtain.

Bernard stood there face to face with Mrs. Vivian, whose eyes seemed to plead with him more than ever. In his own there was an excited smile.

"Please don't mind that," she murmured. "I know it's true that she is tired."

"Mind it, dear lady?" cried the young man. "I delight in it. It's just what I like."

"Ah, she's very peculiar!" sighed Mrs. Vivian.

"She is strange yes. But I think I understand her a little."

"You must come back to-morrow, then."

"I hope to have many to-morrows!" cried Bernard as he took his departure. 186