Yet when the Dean left her free she returned to Cliffe, as though in
some sort they two had really been talking all the time, through all the
apparent conversation with other people.
"I have read all your telegrams," she said. "Why did you attack William
so fiercely?"
Cliffe was taken by surprise, but he felt no embarrassment--her tone was
not that of the wife in arms.
"I attacked the official--not the man. William knows that."
"He is coming in to-day if possible. He wanted to see you."
"Good news! William knows that he would have hit just as hard in my
place."
"I don't think he would," said Kitty, calmly. "He is so generous."
The color rushed to Cliffe's face.
"Well scored! I wish I had a wife to play these strokes for me. I shall
argue that a keen politician has no right to be generous. He is at war."
Kitty took no notice. She leaned her little chin on her hand, and her
eyes perused the face of her companion.
"Where have you been--all the time--before America?"
"In the deserts--fighting devils," said Cliffe, after a moment.
"What does that mean?" she asked, wondering.
"Read my new book.
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