His eyes glowed.
"In search of new things," he answered.
"Guns? Fortifications?"
"Neither."
A spirit of mischief possessed her. Lessingham's manner was baffling
and yet provocative. For a moment the political possibilities of
his presence faded away from her mind. She had an intense desire to
break through his reserve.
"Won't you tell me--why you came?"
"I could tell you more easily," he answered in a low tone, "why it
will be the most miserable day of my life when I leave."
She laughed at him with perfect heartiness.
"How delightful to be flirted with again!" she sighed. "And I
thought all German men were so heavy, and paid elaborate, underdone
compliments. Still, your secret, sir, please? That is what I want
to know."
"If you will have just a little patience!" he begged, leaning so
close to her that their heads almost touched, "I promise that I will
not leave this place before I tell it to you."
Philippa's eyes for the first time dropped before his. She knew
perfectly well what she ought to have done and she was singularly
indisposed to do it. It was a most piquant adventure, after all,
and it almost helped her to forget the trouble which had been
sitting so heavily in her heart. Still avoiding his eyes, she
called the others.
"We are quite ready for bridge," she announced.
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