Page:Neith Boyce--The bond.djvu/419

Rh all sorts of men after you if you look and behave as you did to-night."

"Be quiet, Basil," said Teresa dully.

"Why should I be quiet? Why shouldn't I admire you, too? You were beautiful—you took my breath away when you came into the room …"

The automobile stopped. They were at home. Basil helped Teresa out, stopped to tip the chauffeur, and hurried into the house. He came into Teresa's room, where she stood in the middle of the floor, staring at the fire, which was almost out.

"Why don't you have them keep your room warmer?" he asked sharply. "You'll freeze here—why hasn't somebody stayed up to look after the fire? I'll ring."

"No, don't—they've gone to bed. It doesn't matter."

"Well, it does."

Basil threw off his coat and vigorously made up the fire. Teresa emerged from her furs and sat down before it.

"Keep your wraps on till the place gets warm, why don't you? You've got nothing on."

"I don't feel it," she said indifferently.

Basil looked at her, shivered slightly—looked away—looked at her again. He took her coat and put it about her.

"I wish you'd take some care of yourself—you