"It'll keep me good for hours," she assured him.
And Jake, who yearned for a smoke himself, could not find it in his heart
to refuse.
"Don't overdo it, that's all!" he said. "Young Bunny is always at it, and
it's very bad for him."
"Oh, I've got heaps more sense than Bunny," said Toby, with lofty
assurance.
She smoked the cigarette with delicate appreciation though Jake's tobacco
was by no means suited to a feminine palate, and they returned at peace
with all the world.
Maud, who had been watching for them somewhat anxiously, saw with relief
that her fears were groundless. Toby's serene countenance told her that
all was well. No, she had not hated it so very badly after all. It was
nothing to make a fuss about anyhow. She would go again if Jake liked.
She seemed in fact mildly amused by the idea that he could be so easily
pleased, and asked him later with her chin in the air if there were any
other odd jobs he would like her to perform.
But when Maud presently went to the piano, she came and sat on a low
chair near her and listened in absolute stillness while she played. They
were alone, and Maud played on and on, almost forgetful of her silent
companion, suffering her fingers to wander in unison with her thoughts.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167