Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/93

 Sears Ripley's manly head appeared between the portieres. It was time the gentlemen assumed their capes and ate their midday oysters. Lanice said quickly, in a very low voice, 'The daughter of an old East India merchant gave me a miniature...Hindoo, I think. She said it looked like me.'

'May I see it?'

'I'll bring it in.'

'No, no. I will call.'

The girl looked up at him out of meek, frightened eyes.

'I'd so much rather bring it in.'

'Of course,' he said, 'do what you want and don't let me bully you.'

He smiled, and his smile was devastating and joyous, an incredible performance for his sombre face. Sears Ripley saw their eyes meet, and in some way lock together. He saw Miss Bardeen's sleek, shapely head settle back slightly upon the neck which swelled and took on curious beauty. He realized for the first time in his life that the girl could at mysterious moments assume an almost wanton loveliness, and his curiosity was deeply stirred. He looked at Captain Jones. He, too, had discovered the girl's fleeting but haunting beauty. Then, quite without warning, she put on the expression of a perfect lady. The look irritated Captain Jones. She was probably a most banal young lady, and a female editor at that, a foul bluestocking! It seemed to him unfortunate that she of all the women in the world should possess at moments the look of a Mughal princess. Well, as his