Page:Son of the wind.djvu/215

RV 199 "I present a figure," he explained, "that would never do to show at your dinner table. I have just startled Miss Rader by showing myself in my deplorable state of mud. I've got to hurry, if I'm going to change."

"I must speak to you!" The voice went through his ears. There was no escape after all. He shut his teeth together and turned about to face the situation.

Evidently she had driven herself to a point outside her ordinary capacity. Her eyes were the only brave thing in her, but they commanded her face. "Would it make much difference to you to cut your week here a little short? Would you mind finishing somewhere else?"

This was more definite than he had expected—a delicate way of putting the thing, almost like a man's. He appreciated her reserve, but now there were two reasons which presented to him the awkward necessity of remaining where he was. "Of course, if you ask it, I shall go at once, Mrs. Rader. I understood that it was a special exception to a rule that took me in, and that was very good of you. But there is no use saying it won't make a difference to me. I'm afraid you've rather spoilt me here. I've grown very fond of this place, and I like you—and Mr. Rader." He waited. Her eyes fixed him with