"You are right," he admitted. "I suppose it is the fault of old
associations."
"In a few minutes," she said, smiling at him, "we should have become
sentimental."
"I," he admitted, "was floundering already."
She shrugged her shoulders.
"You talk as though sentiment were a bog."
"There have been worse similes," he declared.
"How horrid! And do you know, sir, for all your indignation you
have not yet even inquired after your wife's health."
"I trust," he said, "that she is well."
"She is in excellent health."
"Your second visit to this country," he remarked, "follows very
swiftly upon your first."
She nodded.
"I am here," she said, "on your account."
"You excite my interest," he declared. "May I know your mission?"
"I have to remind you of your pledge," she said, "to assure you
of Lucille's welfare, and to prevent your leaving the country."
"Marvelous!" he exclaimed, with a slight mocking smile. "And may
I ask what means you intend to employ to keep me here?"
"Well," she said, "I have large discretionary powers. We have a
very strong branch over on this side, but I would very much rather
induce you to stay here without applying to them."
"And the inducements?" he asked.
She took a cigarette from a box which stood on the table and lit
one.
"Well," she said, "I might appeal to your hospitality, might I not?
I am in a strange country which you have made your home.
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