Page:Conflict (1927).pdf/276

 'That's the front-door bell. I must answer it,' she said, and went to press the button that would release the door three stories below. When she returned, 'Don't go just yet,' she said to Cicely who had risen. After all it would make the meeting with Roger easier and more conventional if she had a caller. 'I think this may be the man who was nice to me this summer. Do wait and see him.'

'But it's after half-past four.'

'For just a minute. You'll have to anyway. He's on his way up.' And she opened the door into the hall. She heard Roger's steps slowly ascending the last flight of stairs, and before he had quite reached the top, saw him hesitate, and glance about uncertainly.

'This way,' she called.

'Oh, you're here!'

'Just by chance.'

They were shaking hands now.

'I hope you didn't stay in for me,' he laughed.

'Of course I didn't,' she laughed back. 'Come in this way, please. I want you to meet my cousin, Miss Morgan. This is Mr. Dallinger, Cicely.'

They were in the little front room now—all three. For a moment Cicely and Roger just stared at each other. It was Roger who recovered first.

'Your cousin!' he exclaimed, 'Cicely Morgan your cousin! Why, Cicely, how do you do.' He shook