Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/127

 years ago. You prefer to be a dressmaker's dummy and a lady editoress. Oh, by the eyelids of the prophet!'

He brushed the cheek that she had so carefully studied against her hair and she felt herself melt within and her arms grow heavy.

'Captain Jones!' she protested feebly.

'Yes,' he purred, and rubbed his face against her like a cat.

She stood up. 'This is not the conduct of a gentleman towards a lady whom he employs.'

'No,' said Jones, and smiled, 'but I don't employ you. Mr. Fox does, and lends you to me.'

Suddenly she felt homesick for Mr. Fox and his courtesies, and, forgetting the weakness that enveloped her at his touch, she turned on the handsome Englishman. He thrilled to see that her hands, which seemed to him delicately carved from ivory, were clenched. A smile lighted his face, and he looked at her expectantly as a dog does that hopes some one will throw him a stick.

'I shall go now and I shall never return.'

'Now I am standing in the door and you cannot go.'

'How ridiculous...' She turned from him, but as she turned she started the hoops swaying in the flower-like way that she had learned from her mother.

'By the time I have packed up my reticule and assumed my shawl and my bonnet, I shall expect to leave, and I will.' She was breathless.