'
He stood by the couch, his body bent in deference, his eyes
regarding her with melancholy homage.
'Mrs. Mutimer has a tea-party of children from New Wanley,' said
Alice with a provoking smile. 'Won't you go and join them? She's
reading to them, I believe; no doubt it's something that would do
you good.'
'Of course I will go if you send me. I would go anywhere at your
command.'
'Then please do. Turn to the right when you get out into the
garden.'
Keene stood for an instant with his eyes on the ground, then sighed
deeply--groaned, in fact--smote his breast, and marched towards the
door like a soldier at drill. As soon as he had turned his back
Alice gathered herself from the couch, and, as soon as she stood
upright, called to him.
'Mr. Keene!'
He halted and faced round.
'You needn't go unless you like, you know.'
He almost ran towards her.
'Just ring the bell, will you? I want some tea, and I'll give you a
cup if you care for it.'
She took a seat, and indicated with a finger the place where he
might repose. It was at a three yards' distance. Then they talked as
they were wont to, with much coquetry on Alice's side, and on
Keene's always humble submissiveness tempered with glances and
sighs. They drank tea, and Keene used the opportunity of putting
down his cup to take a nearer seat.
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