Page:The Black Moth.pdf/297

 It was a master stroke, and for an instant his brows drew together. Then he laughed.

“Merci du compliment, mademoiselle! I admire your wit.”

“I protest I am overwhelmed. May I ask when we are like to arrive at our destination?”

“We should reach Andover soon after eight, my dear.”

So it was some distance he was taking her?

“I suppose you had the wit to provide food for the journey?” she yawned. “You will not wish to exhibit me at an inn, I take it?”

He marvelled at her indomitable courage.

“We shall halt at an inn certainly, and my servant will bring you refreshment. That will be in about an hour.”

“So long?” she frowned. “Then, pray excuse me an I compose myself to sleep a little. I am like to find the journey somewhat tedious, I fear.”

She shifted farther into the corner, leaned her head back against the cushions and closed her eyes.

Thus outwitting his Grace. For it is impossible to be passionate with a girl who feigns sleep when she should be struggling to escape from you. So Tracy, who, whatever else he might lack, possessed a keen sense of humour, settled himself in his corner and followed her example. So they jogged on.&hairsp;…

Arrived at length at the inn, the coach pulled up slowly. Diana opened her eyes with a great assumption of sleepiness.

“Already?” she marvelled.

“I trust you have slept well,” said his Grace suavely.

“Excellently well, I thank you, sir,” was the unblushing reply.

“I am relieved to hear you say so, my dear. I had thought you unable to—your mouth kept shut so admirably. Doubtless you have schooled your jaw not to drop when you sleep sitting up? I wish I might do the same.”