"I think I shall never ask any woman to marry me." He walked slowly
toward the door, pausing at a little distance from its threshold. "When
you want me," he now proceeded, "will you send for me? Then I will most
gladly come."
"You mean--about the _salon_?" she questioned.
"Yes--about the _salon_. In that and all other ways I am yours to
command--"
When he had gone she sat musing before the fire for nearly an hour. That
night, at a little after nine o'clock, she was surprised to receive a
copious list of names from Cora Dares, accompanied by a brief note.
She sent for Kindelon on the following day, and they spent the next
evening together from eight until eleven. He was his old, easy, gay,
brilliant self again. What had occurred between them seemed to have been
absolutely erased from his memory. It almost piqued her to see how
perfectly he played what she knew to be a part.
Soon afterward her invitations were sent out for the following Thursday.
Each one was a simple "At Home." She awaited Thursday with much interest
and suspense.