Baltazzo glanced at Elinor, whose _expression_ was
vicious.
One more exampleof her endless
duplicity.
Hehad never been for a moment under her charm,
though she had imposed atfirst on his gentleness. Kisses the horsesgood-night before
he goes to bed, I suppose.
He could make up his mind to leave Elinor, but
hecould never have left her with the bag to hold.
She used her large dark eyes and mocking smile
withgreat effect.
Was this a foundation uponwhich to rebuild his
life?
Old Rizzo will answer if Im not in the
room.
And, ifso, was he prepared to accept that
alternative? All thearrangements for the bathe had been made by Virginia, who had
rowed overfor them.
There was nothing that boredElinor so much as a
passionate lover.
Bernasconi, agog with interest, wanted to know who
he was. Without knowing it, apparently, she had hit on the weak point inRichards
half-formed plan. The lady was Miss Frick, the American heiress. She was vaguely but
spitefully resentful that thebathers had enjoyed themselves.
He managed to bring out at last:Im rather a wreck,
Im afraid. As long as he could see her, and know she could not get away from him,he
could be patient.
Imagine them in Englandmaking room for two
strangers like this. Looking puzzled, he said sheepishly to Richard: She does
really. If only he could believe in her andtrust her, would it be such a mistake to
marry her? Walking aimlessly through the Galleria Umberto, he ran into
CesareSismondo.
But, it suddenly occurred to him, supposing he had
to remain the night?
I mean what you said about my going with you.
Baltazzos guffaw, Titos giggle and Elinors toneless titter
chorusedagain.
Will you allow my father to use that chair until I
can secure a table?
She seemed to take a peculiar delight in springing
freshsensations upon him. Richard thought he would; but how could he communicate
with her after hehad seen his father?
I waited till thelast moment and then had to
telephone for a carriage. Elinor promised with dignity, introducing him tothe
principessa.
I was wondering howon earth I could get to talk to
you. Laughter from the three at the end of the table saluted the innocentremark.
Baltazzos thick lipcurled with contempt, but Elinor turned on him.
For, what else was his affair with Virginia but an
intrigue,if regarded unequivocally?
It wouldnt be easy, but I will do it if you say
yes. For this reason, if forno other, Richard knew that she would very soon be sick
of him. It endedby her asking Richard to take them all up the lake in the
motor-boat.
He has his stable at Chantilly, and sleeps overit
since they poisoned his mare, Mayflower.
He paints pictures of all the beauties in England.