Page:Neith Boyce--The bond.djvu/230

228 "Let us not talk any more to-day," he begged. "On my word, I'm done—absolutely done"

"Yes, I'm going now. … And I shall go away at once south somewhere, Florida, I think."

"You'll let me come and see you before you go."

"Oh, yes, I should like to see you once more. But no more scenes, Basil—I promise. Just a quiet talk—and then good-bye."

Her tone was dull and exhausted. She sat still, looking musingly at the floor, and Basil was about to go toward her when a knock sounded at the door. Basil opened. It was Teresa.

In the instant of greeting her, while he stood inwardly hesitating and blocking the view of the studio, Mrs. Perry rose and went quickly into the dressing-room. It did not take Basil more than five seconds to decide that he must let Teresa in, and he did so, flattering himself that his hesitation had not been noticed.

"You're surprised to see me, aren't you?" she said, smiling. "Are you busy? I thought, suddenly, I'd like to go out and dine to-night at one of our old haunts. Would you like it?"

"I would, of all things," he cried fervently. "Come in, Mrs. Perry's been posing. I'm free now, and we'll have a walk first, if you feel up to it. Are you strong enough? How's the weather?"