The game of hide-and-seek in the garden and the scramble over the wall
had consumed only two or three minutes, and Shirley now waited, her eyes
bent upon the darkly-outlined pergola for some manifestation from the
remaining intruder. A man now walked rapidly toward the veranda, carrying
a cloak on his arm. She recognized Armitage instantly. He doffed his hat
and bowed. The lights of the house lamps shone full upon him, and she saw
that he was laughing a little breathlessly.
"This is really fortunate, Miss Claiborne. I owe your house an apology,
and if you will grant me audience I will offer it to you."
He threw the cloak over his shoulder and fanned himself with his hat.
"You are a most informal person, Mr. Armitage," said Shirley coldly.
"I'm afraid I am! The most amazing ill luck follows me! I had dropped in
to enjoy the quiet and charm of your garden, but the tranquil life is not
for me. There was another gentleman, equally bent on enjoying the
pergola. We engaged in a pretty running match, and because I was fleeter
of foot he grew ugly and tried to put me out of commission.
Pages:
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222