"I don't think you look well enough to stay out the afternoon, Sir
Nicholas"--he said--"Better go straight back to the hotel and rest--."
Miss Sharp joined in.
"I was going to say that"--she said.
I felt like a cross, disappointed child--I knew they were both right
though; I was feeling pretty tired and had not an idea in my head. But
if I did that, there would be a chance to see her lost--and all the long
hours to face alone--.
"I am quite all right and I want to work," I said fretfully--and we
started off.
We went up through the lovely allées past Enceledus--and on to the
Quinconce du Nord, Miss Sharp walking a little behind my chair.
Here Burton bent over me--.
"It would be good for you to be taking a nap, Sir Nicholas--Indeed it
would."
It seemed as if Miss Sharp was abetting him, for she came to my side--.
"If you can get quite comfortable--I would read to you, and you might
sleep," she said--.
"We've no book"--I retorted--peeved, and yet pleased at the idea.
"I have one here which, will do"--and she took a little volume from her
bag.--"I have wanted it for a long time, and I bought it at the Foire
as I came from the station to-day--it cost a franc!"
It was a worn eighteenth century copy of François Villon--.
"Yes, that will be nice," I agreed--and leaned back while Burton settled
my cushion, and then retired to a distance. Twelve years on and off of
Paris has not taught him French--at least not the French of François
Villon!
Miss Sharp took a little parc chair and I was able to watch her as she
read--I did not even hear the words--because, as she was looking down I
had not to guard myself, but could let my eye devour her small oval
face. All my nerves were thrilling again and there was no peace--how I
longed--ached--to take her into my arms!
She looked up once after an hour, to see if I were asleep, I
suppose.--She must have observed passionate emotion in my eye--she
looked down at the book instantly, but a soft pink flush came into her
cheeks--which have a mother of pearl transparency usually. This caused
me deep pleasure--I had been able to make her feel something at any
rate! but then I was frightened--perhaps she would suggest going if she
found the situation uncomfortable. Her voice had a fresh tone in it as
she went on, and finally it faltered, and she stopped.