The Swindler and Other Stories

arringdean Castle. A young moon was low in the sky, and she paused to

find Babbaco

bring you luck,

look at him, and gav

ld friend," s

the stars above them. She l

u," he said. "I wanted to. Come inside. T

u again,"

fireplace a group of people were gathered at tea. There was a general buzz

m one to another, greeting each in her high, sweet dra

ments yet burned in his secret heart. All his life long he would remember her as he saw her that night on his own hearth. Her loveliness was like a flower wide open to the su

sequence. He found her waiting alone in the drawing-room before a regal fire. She wore a splendid star of diamonds

said, "you a

ly. She put out her hand to him with a gest

al smile. "But-I tell you, Jack-I feel a perfect reptile. I

ice that was almost a sob. Babba

done me the very great honour of giving me your full c

I'm frightened too. Jack, if you want me to marry

n the eyes. "No, Cynthi

aughing," s

since we have begun. And you needn't be scared. He is hardly a ladies' man, according to my judgment,

of a step behind him. Wi

n in riding-dress was

en waiting for you in the library for the last hour. I sent you a message, but I concl

n Babbacombe's face, ignoring the woman's

t Cynthia before replying; and instantly, in her quic

e? I'm Cynthia Mortimer-a very old friend of

ction compelled some species of response. West took the outstretched ha

stonily, "that your mem

have disheartened many wom

or a second, the next quit

e same. Come, Mr. West, I'm sure you will make an effort when I tell you that I want to be remem

You have made a mist

ly. There was a delicate flush on he

her voice. "I'm a lot cleverer than you thi

ers, and was silent. S

long past this stage anyway. Lord Babbacombe," appealing suddenly to her host, "can't you persuade Mr.

ortimer considers herself in your debt, Mr. West," he said. "I thin

ver since how to get even with you. Oh, you needn't scowl. That doesn't hurt me at all. D

the sooner you drop me again the better." He spoke briefly and very decidedly, and having thus expressed hims

he turned to go. But instantl

. W

pau

gain, her voice half-i

him with a little smile quivering about her mout

drawl, "if it is for my sake or your own th

s Mortimer," he

of you," she rej

lift of the shoulders th

proverb about

like pitch,"

eople," thre

oesn't apply in this case. So I sha'n't drop you

nothing short of regal. And he-because he could

nd she said it as if rudeness were t