Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/116

 Why did you come for me today? Gunnar demanded abruptly.

Why did you come with me? Campaspe countered.

Perhaps I wanted to find out why you had asked me. Perhaps. . . He hesitated. His confusion was apparent.

Her tone shifted. She adopted her most charming manner.

I came for you, she said, because I felt certain that I should be interested in a man who had enthralled both Paulet and Consuelo, in a man whose occupation seems to hover between manual and clerical labour and professional gymnastics. I have not been disappointed, she concluded.

Gunnar groaned. I have walked so far, so light, heartedly, so proudly, so easily, he mumbled. Then, with a sudden transition, Please ask your man to stop the car. His eyelashes were wet.

Let me take you home.

Please ask him to stop.

She did not try again to persuade him. She gave Ambrose the order. As the automobile drew up at the kerb and Gunnar prepared to alight, she took his hand. When, she asked, will you come to see me?

Averting his gaze, he stammered, I am working so hard now. . . Good God! . . . Lunging out of the car, he disappeared almost immediately in the dusk of distance. Campaspe peered through the window, but the only spectacle that rewarded her