Anisty!" With a pretty gesture of
conquering impulse she swept her veil aside, and the warm
rose-glow of the new-born day tinted her wan young cheeks with
color. And her eyes were as stars, bright with a mist of emotion,
brimming with gratitude--and something else. He could not say
what; but one thing he knew, and that was that she was worn with
excitement and fatigue, near to the point of breaking down.
"You're tired," he insisted, solicitous. "Can't you let me----?"
"I am tired," she admitted wistfully, voice subdued, yet rich and
vibrant. "No, please. Please let me go. Don't ask me any
questions--now."
"Only one," he made supplication. "I've done nothing----"
"Nothing but be more kind than I can say!"
"And you're not going to back out of our partnership?"
"Oh!" And now the color in her cheeks was warmer than that which
the dawn had lent them. "No ... I shan't back out." And she
smiled.
"And if I call a meeting of the board of management of Anisty and
Wentworth, Limited, you will promise to attend?"
"Ye-es...."
"Will it be too early if I call one for to-day?"
"Why...."
"Say at two o'clock this afternoon, at Eugene's. You know the
place?"
"I have lunched there----"
"Then you shall again to-day. You won't disappoint me?"
"I will be there. I ... I shall be glad to come. Now--
_please_!"
"You've promised. Don't forget."
He stepped back and stood in a sort of dreamy daze, while, with
one final wonderful smile at parting, the girl assumed control of
the machine and swung it out from the curb.
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