Page:The Yellow Book - 04.djvu/190

168 or less satisfied by the general knowledge applying to them all; but here, as Theodora differed so much from the ordinary feminine type, even this instinctive sort of consolation was denied me. I looked down at her with a smile.

"We shan't be able to reconcile Fashion and Logic, so it's no use," I said. "Make the peg, then, and I'll try and remain in the fashion by assuming it's tea."

"Great Scott! I hope you won't fancy it's tea while you are drinking it!" returned Theodora laughing.

She handed me the glass, and I declared nectar wasn't in it with that peg, and then she made her own tea and came and sat down to drink it, in not at all an indecorous, but still informal proximity.

"Did you collect anything in the East?" she asked me, after a minute or two.

"Yes; a good many idols and relics and curiosities of sorts," I answered. "Would you like to see them?"

"Very much," Theodora answered. "Where are they?"

"Well, not in my pocket," I said smiling. "At my chambers. "Could you and Mrs. Long spare an afternoon and honour me with a visit there?"

"I should like it immensely. I know Helen will come if I ask her."

"When you have seen them I must pack them up, and send them to my agents. One can't travel about with those things."

A sort of tremor passed over Theodora's face as I spoke, and her glance met mine, full of demands and questionings, and a very distinct assertion of distress. It said distinctly, "I am so sorry you are going." The sorrow in her eyes touched my vanity deeply, which is the most responsive quality we have. It is difficult to reach our hearts or our sympathies, but our vanity is