"
Mrs. Van Reinberg was looking across at Mr. de Valentin with a very
determined expression on her pale, hard face. She was obviously a woman
who was accustomed to have her own way, and meant to have it in this
particular instance.
"It is settled, then, Mr. Courage," she declared. "Come whenever you
like. We can always make room for you."
I bowed my gratitude, and, to relieve the situation, I took Adele away
with me for a walk. We were scarcely out of hearing, before I heard Mr.
de Valentin's cold but angry voice.
"My dear Madame, do you consider that invitation of yours a prudent
one? ..."
We walked on the other side of the deck. Adele was silent for several
moments. Then she turned towards me, and the old smile was upon her
lips--the smile which had always half fascinated, half irritated me.
"So," she remarked, "I have become your unwilling ally."
"In what way?" I asked.
"I suppose," she said, "that an invitation to Lenox _was_ necessary to
your plans, wasn't it?"
"I had fairly obvious reasons for hoping for one," I answered, smiling.
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