Читать книгу The Passionate Quest онлайн

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"My first meeting with a lord," Rosina reflected, gazing after the retreating figure with interest.

"He's none too bright a specimen of the genus, I'm afraid," Erwen remarked. "A good fellow enough in some respects, but a rotter with women. Keep him in his place, Miss Vonet, won't you?"

She laughed softly.

"What is his place?"

"A good arm's-length away from you, and then some," was the prompt reply.

"I'll remember it," she promised.

"He'll ask you to lunch," Erwen warned her.

"I won't go. That's real self-denial, for I don't often get a meal like this."

"You shall lunch with me as often as you like," he invited.

"How do I know that you are to be trusted?" she asked, smiling.

"You will discover that in time," he declared confidently. "Meanwhile, will you have some coffee?"

"Have I time?" she asked. "I don't want to be late."

He glanced at his watch.

"Plenty," he assured her, as he gave the order. "Now look here, Miss Vonet, let me give you a word of advice. Seriously, I think you will have had enough of the stage in a week or two, which is about as long as this thing will run, but in the meantime, be careful of them all across yonder. They're a little accustomed to take liberties with strangers, and they aren't a very understanding lot."