"
She had her hands clasped before her face. She could not look at him.
"Yes, I know," she murmured.
In another moment he had gone, leaving Viviette, who had entered the
room a girl, transformed into a woman with the first shiver of passion
in her veins.
Dick, vaguely conscious of damp and dirt, went up to his bedroom. The
sight of his evening things spread out on the bed reminded him that it
was nearly dinner-time. Mechanically he washed and dressed. As he was
buckling on his ready-made white tie--his clumsy fingers, in spite of
many lessons from Viviette, had never learned the trick of tying a
bow--a maid brought him a message. Mr. Austin's compliments and would he
see Mr. Austin for a few moments in Mr. Austin's room. The words were
like the dreaded tap on the shoulder of the hunted criminal.
"I'll come at once," he said.
He found Austin sitting on the chair by his desk, resting his chin on
his elbow. He did not stir as Dick entered.
"You want to speak to me?"
"Yes," said Austin. "Will you sit down?"
"I'll stand," said Dick impatiently.
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