"
Madeleine shrugged her shoulders and attempted to raise one of the
curtains. The interior was as dark as a cave. But Travers exclaimed
in alarm.
"No! No! Not until we get out of this. When we have reached the
city, but not here. In a hack on this road--"
"Oh, very well. Then entertain me, please, as I cannot look out. You
always have something interesting to tell."
"I am flattered to think you find me entertaining. I've sometimes
thought you didn't like me."
"Now you know that is nonsense. I always think myself fortunate if I
sit next you at dinner." Madeleine spoke in her gayest tones, but in
truth she dreaded what the man might make of this innocent escapade
and intended to make a friend of him if possible.
She was growing accustomed to the gloom and saw him smile fatuously.
"That sends me to the seventh heaven. How often since you came have I
wished that my dancing days were not over."
"I'd far rather hear you talk. Tell me some news."
"News? News? San Francisco is as flat at present as spilled
champagne. Let me see? Ah! Did you ever hear of Langdon Masters?"
"No. Who is he?"
"He is Virginian like myself--a distant cousin. He fought through the
war, badly wounded twice, came home to find little left of the old
estate--practically nothing for him.
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