Page:William Le Queux - The Temptress.djvu/58

Rh changing; now her eyes, cast down demurely, seemed to indicate a coy modesty; now her pouting Up betrayed a slight annoyance, only to be succeeded by a charming smile which disclosed an even row of pearly teeth.

As Hugh gazed upon her he remembered his friend's mysterious warning, and asked himself what evil could lurk under so innocent a countenance.

"I had no idea you were acquainted with M'sieur Egerton," she exclaimed, suddenly turning to him.

"Oh yes; we are old friends," Hugh replied, smiling.

"Ah I what an age it is since we met," she said, addressing the artist, her words just tinged with an accent that added charm to her musical voice.

"It is, mademoiselle," he answered, somewhat sullenly; "I scarcely expected to come across you here."

She darted a sharp, inquiring glance at him, and frowned, almost imperceptibly. Next second she recovered her self-possession, and with a light laugh said: "Well, there seems some truth in the assertion that the world is very small after all."

"There does, and encounters are sometimes unpleasant for both parties," he remarked abruptly. "But you'll excuse me, won't you? I see a man over there that I know, and want to speak to him."

Valérie gracefully inclined her head, and Egerton, rising, lounged over to the man he had recognized.

The moment he was out of hearing, she turned to Trethowen, and said:

"Then you and Jack Egerton are friends?"

"Yes; I find him a very agreeable and good hearted fellow."

"That may be." She hesitated thoughtfully; then she added: "You do not know him as well as I do."