Man and Maid

"I don't think you look well enough to stay out the afternoon, Sir

Nicholas"--he said--"Better go straight back to the hotel and rest--."

Miss Sharp joined in.

"I was going to say that"--she said.

I felt like a cross, disappointed child--I knew they were both right

though; I was feeling pretty tired and had not an idea in my head. But

if I did that, there would be a chance to see her lost--and all the long

hours to face alone--.

"I am quite all right and I want to work," I said fretfully--and we

started off.

We went up through the lovely allées past Enceledus--and on to the

Quinconce du Nord, Miss Sharp walking a little behind my chair.

Here Burton bent over me--.

"It would be good for you to be taking a nap, Sir Nicholas--Indeed it

would."

It seemed as if Miss Sharp was abetting him, for she came to my side--.

"If you can get quite comfortable--I would read to you, and you might

sleep," she said--.

"We've no book"--I retorted--peeved, and yet pleased at the idea.

"I have one here which, will do"--and she took a little volume from her

bag.--"I have wanted it for a long time, and I bought it at the Foire

as I came from the station to-day--it cost a franc!"

It was a worn eighteenth century copy of François Villon--.

"Yes, that will be nice," I agreed--and leaned back while Burton settled

my cushion, and then retired to a distance. Twelve years on and off of

Paris has not taught him French--at least not the French of François

Villon!

Miss Sharp took a little parc chair and I was able to watch her as she

read--I did not even hear the words--because, as she was looking down I

had not to guard myself, but could let my eye devour her small oval

face. All my nerves were thrilling again and there was no peace--how I

longed--ached--to take her into my arms!

She looked up once after an hour, to see if I were asleep, I

suppose.--She must have observed passionate emotion in my eye--she

looked down at the book instantly, but a soft pink flush came into her

cheeks--which have a mother of pearl transparency usually. This caused

me deep pleasure--I had been able to make her feel something at any

rate! but then I was frightened--perhaps she would suggest going if she

found the situation uncomfortable. Her voice had a fresh tone in it as

she went on, and finally it faltered, and she stopped.