Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/96

 Finally, without warning, the Englishman abruptly announced, 'I've an idea that Redcliffe & Fox's intellectual young lady may really be a perfect fool.'

'That's because you think all ladies fools.'

'Oh, no. I think the Arab women very wise.'

'Oh, shut up, Jones. You are not talking to scandalize the newspapers.'

They sipped their port, and Jones ate his third piece of tipsy cake.

'Rather liked her.'

Ripley's heart contracted and sank. He was not sure he had understood. 'You what?'

'Liked her.'

The professor was conscious that all the waves of excitement he had felt emanating from Jones had Lanice Bardeen as their source. He felt very tired and rather worn and middle-aged. He said wearily, 'How flattering to Miss Bardeen.'

'What did you say her name was?'

'Miss Bardeen.'

'And her first name?'

'I am afraid I do not know,' Sears Ripley lied coldly.

The two men looked at each other. Jones smiled in a faint but friendly fashion.

'I don't want to ever see her again. There is something about her, a primness, a what you'd call a "virtue" that I find irritating. I can think of her as I saw her one moment and say truthfully she attracts me, but if I knew her everything would be spoiled.'