Fletcher's face as he
spoke; and, remembering that the silly little woman was his sister,
Christie put out her hand with a look and gesture so full of
sympathy that words were unnecessary. Taking advantage of this
propitious moment, he said, with an expressive glance and effective
tone: "I am all alone now. You will let me come again?"
"Certainly, if it can give you pleasure," she answered heartily,
forgetting herself in pity for his sorrow.
Mr. Fletcher pressed her hand with a grateful, "Thank you!" and
wisely went away at once, leaving compassion to plead for him better
than he could have done it for himself.
Leaning back in her chair, Christie was thinking over this interview
so intently that she started when David's voice said close beside
her:
"Shall I disturb you if I say, 'Good-night'?"
"I thought you were not going to say it at all," she answered rather
sharply.
"I've been looking for a chance; but you were so absorbed with that
man I had to wait."
"Considering the elegance of 'that man,' you don't treat him with
much respect."
"I don't feel much. What brought him here, I wonder. A French salon
is more in his line."
"He came to see Mr. Power, as every one else does, of course.
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