Page:The Private Life, Lord Beaupré, The Visits (New York, Harper & Brothers, 1893).djvu/74

64 the Oberkellner withdrew. Then she went on, to me, abruptly, "Will you do me a favor?"

"Yes, if you'll do me one. Let me see if your picture is signed."

She glanced at the sketch before giving it to me. "For a wonder it isn't."

"It ought to be, for full value. May I keep it awhile?"

"Yes, if you'll do what I ask. Take an umbrella and go after Mr. Vawdrey."

"To bring him to Mrs. Adney?"

"To keep him out—as long as you can."

"I'll keep him as long as the rain holds off."

"Oh, never mind the rain!" my companion exclaimed.

"Would you have us drenched?"

"Without remorse." Then, with a strange light in her eyes, she added, "I'm going to try."

"To try?"

"To see the real one. Oh, if I can get at him!" she broke out with passion.

"Try, try!" I replied. "I'll keep our friend all day."