He shook his head. "I slept in the study. I rumpled the bed clothes in
my room, but I really slept in the study."
"And why did you rumple the bed clothes?" She was awake and aware; it
was one of her many attributes that she was bright from the opening of
her eyes in the morning.
He said carefully, "I rumpled the bed clothes because I didn't think
you'd believe I slept in the study. I thought you'd think I was out
chasing blondes, or something."
She smiled, studying him, saying nothing.
"How were the Blairs? And how was Henri?"
"The Blairs are more fun when you're along. Henri tried to kiss me."
Her eyes awaited a reaction to that last.
"I'd try to kiss you, too, if I were Henri. Didn't you want him to?"
She frowned. "I--didn't. I don't--think I did. We have so many common
interests and he _is_ handsome. I must be sub-human."
"Maybe you're in love with me. The common interests would be flowers,
food and interior decoration. If I were a girl, I wouldn't want to be
kissed by a man who gave his life to that."
"Don't be superior. Henri's a man of many conquests, as any of my
friends will admit when they're drunk. Ted, I don't usually like this
kind of talk. Why am I talking like this?"
"Maybe you dreamed of Henri."
"Oh, Ted--" She slid her feet out, and sat up on the edge of the bed.
"Do you think--with us, it was just--animal attraction?"
"It could have been. You were, and are, an attractive animal. It's
nothing to be ashamed of. Some of the soundest marriages are founded on
it."
"And maintained?"
"Founded and maintained. With a minor compromise, here and there. But
no major ones. When are you going to see Henri again?"
"For lunch, here. And you'd better be home, Theodore Truesdale. I don't
want to be one of those--those, well, one of them."
"I'll be here, glowering. I suppose, with the super gourmet as guest,
you'll be working on the lunch all morning."