Read Online Free Book

Anna the Adventuress

Page 47

"That is provokingly indefinite," he answered, a little ruefully.

"Won't you give me your address?"

She shook her head.

"It is such a very respectable boarding-house," she said. "I feel

quite sure that Mrs. White would not approve of callers."

"I have a clue, at any rate," he remarked, smiling. "I must try the

Directory."

"I wish you good luck," she answered. "There are a good many Whites in

London."

"May I put you in a hansom?" he asked, lifting his stick.

"For Heaven's sake, no," she answered quickly. "Do you want to ruin

me? I shall walk back."

"I may come a little way, then?" he begged.

"If you think it worth while," she answered doubtfully.

Apparently he thought it very much worth while. Restraining with an

effort his intense curiosity, he talked of general subjects only,

trying his best to entertain her. He succeeded so well that they were

almost in Montague Street before Anna stopped short.

"Heavens!" she exclaimed. "I have brought you very nearly to my door.

Go back at once, please."

He held out his hand obediently.

"I'll go," he said, "but I warn you that I shall find you out."

For a moment she was grave.

"Well," she said. "I may be leaving where I am in a few days, so very

likely you will be no better off."

He looked at her intently.

"Miss Pellissier," he said, "I don't understand this change in you.

Every word you utter puzzles me. I have an idea that you are in some

sort of trouble. Won't you let me--can't I be of any assistance?"

He was obviously in earnest. His tone was kind and sympathetic.

"You are very good," she said. "Indeed I shall not forget your offer.

But just now there is nothing which you or anybody can do. Good-bye."

He was dismissed, and he understood it. Anna crossed the street, and

letting herself in at No. 13 with a latchkey went humming lightly up

to her room. She was in excellent spirits, and it was not until she

had taken off her hat, and was considering the question of dinner or

no dinner, that she remembered that another day had passed, and she

was not a whit nearer being able to pay her to-morrow's bill.

PrevPage ListNext