Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/235

 "I got to thinking that maybe it was just as well you hadn't . . ."

"You have changed," said Edward, "and I haven't." He only looked glum, but he felt very tragic.

"Well," she said, "don't let's talk about it. You're a dear and I'll always love you and be your friend. I only came abroad because I wanted to see you, and Paris with you. That's the honest truth. If it hadn't been for you I'd have wanted to stay in New York . . . Shall we look at more statues this afternoon and start in with the pictures tomorrow?"

"Whatever you like," said Edward without enthusiasm. "How long do you really think your father means to stay in Paris?"

"Not long, I think. He wants to spent the winter in Italy and Corsica. He was wondering last night if you couldn't tear yourself away for a while and come to Corsica as our guest."

"That would be wonderful," said Edward, who had always longed to see Corsica. And he told her that he would accept the invitation if her father didn't change his mind.

"Father won't. Father doesn't, and he thinks the world of you."

They finished luncheon and returned to the museum and spent the afternoon looking at pictures.