Part 44 (1/2)

”Because she has the misfortune to be my companion, and I worry her to death.”

”A pleasant death,” he muttered.

”Thanks,” she said. ”That is the second compliment you have paid me. And yet they say you are not gallant, as the French have it.”

”It's the heat,” said Jack, in his grim way.

”You will find some ices in the ante-room there, behind that lace curtain.”

”Shall I get you one?” said Jack.

She nodded.

”Thanks! Yes, that is the way,” and she rose to point to a winding path made through the rows of ferns and tropical plants.

He had to pa.s.s her in going, and in doing so he struck a spray of a palm with his head; it recoiled, and caught some of its soft, spiky leaves in her hair.

She uttered a half-laughing cry, and Jack turned.

”I beg your pardon,” he said. ”I am awfully clumsy. Allow me.”

She bent her head toward him, laughing, and Jack disentangled the silken threads from the great clinging leaf. In doing so he again proved his clumsiness, for the silken threads got round his fingers.

He could feel her soft, peach-like face against his wrist, and being human his blood thrilled.

Lady Bell looked up. Her face was pale, and her eyes drooping and languid.

”Are you going to scalp me after all?” she murmured.

Jack's heart beat strangely.

”I--I am very sorry,” he muttered below his breath, and with lowered eyes he went on.

Lady Bell looked after him and drew a long breath. A sigh that almost echoed hers startled her, and turning she saw Una, sitting where she had left her, with her hands clasped in her lap.

”My child,” said Lady Bell, ”I had almost----”

”Yes, you had quite forgotten me,” said Una, with a strange smile.

Lady Bell flushed and looked at her. Her lovely face was pale and her eyes clouded with a strange look of pain and weariness.

”Forgive me, my child,” she said. ”You are quite pale--you are tired. It is too hot. Wait! there are some ices coming.”

”No, no,” said Una, with a sudden shrinking. ”Please leave me--do not bring him here--I mean----” she stammered, ”I would rather be alone. Go and dance, Lady Bell.”

”What a timid fawn it is,” said Lady Bell, caressingly. ”There, go and sit in the shade there. Don't be frightened; I promised to take care of you.”

”I am not frightened,” said Una, quietly, ”but I would rather----”

”I understand,” said Lady Bell, quickly; then she said, trying to speak carelessly and toying with her fan: ”Did you see the gentleman I was speaking to, dear?”