And thoughts ran fast through her head. "Did she
see Geoffrey?--and does she mean me to understand that she did? How she
detests me! If she did see him, of course she supposes that I know all
about it, and that he's here for me. Why don't I ask her, straight out,
whether she saw him, and make her understand that I don't care
twopence?--that she's welcome to him--as far as I'm concerned?"
But some hidden feeling tied her tongue. Mary continued to talk about
the serenata, and Kitty was presently conscious that her every word and
gesture in reply was closely watched. "Yes, yes, she saw him. Perhaps
she'll tell William--or write home to mother?"
And in her excitement she began to chatter fast and loudly, mostly to
Sir Richard--repeating some of the Venice tales she had told in the
gondola--with much inconsequence and extravagance. The old man listened,
his hands on his stick, his eyes on the ground, the expression on his
strong mouth hostile or sarcastic. It was a relief to everybody when
Ashe's step was heard stumbling up the dark stairs, and the door opened
on his friendly and courteous presence.
"Why, Polly!--and Cousin Richard! I wondered where you had hidden
yourselves.
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