Dot leaned upon the stair-rail, waiting for her, and eventually Fletcher
drew Adela's attention to the fact.
Adela laughed. "Oh, that's just her way, my dear Fletcher. Some women
were born to wait. Dot does it better than anyone I know."
It was at that moment that Warden came quietly up the passage from the
billiard-room, moving with the lightness of well-knit muscles, and
checked himself at sight of Fletcher.
"I should like a word with you--when you have time," he said.
Adela swooped upon him with effusion. "Mr. Warden! Your play is simply
astounding. Allow me to congratulate you!"
"Please don't!" said Warden. "I played atrociously."
She laughed at him archly. "That's just your modesty. You're plainly a
champion. Now, when are you going to let Mr. Hill show us that wonderful
mine? We are dying to see it, aren't we, Dot?"
"The mine!" Warden turned sharply to Hill. "You're not going to take
anyone over that--surely! Not in person--anyhow! What, sir?" He looked
hard at Hill, who said nothing. "Then you must be mad!"
"He isn't obliged to go in person," smiled Adela. "I am sure you are big
enough to take care of us single-handed. Dot and I are not in the least
nervous. Will you take us alone if we promise not to tease the animals?"
Warden's eyes flashed a sudden glance upwards to the girl who still stood
silently leaning upon the rail. It was almost like an appeal.
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