I took it
over from the last Superintendent. I think you'll like it. I got it for
that reason."
She started a little. "But you didn't know then--How long ago was it?"
"Three years," said Fletcher Hill. "I've been getting it ready for you
ever since."
She looked up at him. "You--took a good deal for granted, didn't you?"
she said.
Fletcher was smiling, dryly humorous. "I knew my own mind, anyway," he
said.
"And you've never had--any doubts?" questioned Dot.
"Not one," said Fletcher Hill.
She laid her hand on his arm with a shy gesture. "I hope you won't be
dreadfully disappointed in me," she said.
He bent towards her, and for a moment she felt as if his keen eyes
pierced her. "I don't think that is very likely," he said, and kissed her
with the words.
She did not shrink from his kiss, but she did not return it; nor did he
linger as if expecting any return.
He was on his feet the next moment, and she wondered with a little sense
of chill if he were really satisfied.
CHAPTER VII
THE CONQUEROR
They found Adela awaiting them in her corner, but chafing for a change.
"I want you to take us to the billiard-room," she said to Fletcher.
"There's a great match on. I've heard a lot of men talking about it.
And I adore watching billiards. I'm sure we shan't be in the way. I'll
promise not to talk, and Dot is as quiet as a mouse.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73