That was his way.
But Fate had an oddly bitter moment in store for him.
"Hallo, boy!" cried the Colonel, looking into the library; "glad
you're home. I might not see you in the morning, and I want to
tell you about--er--a lady who will be coming here in the
afternoon."
The words died upon Rene's lips unspoken, and he stared blankly
at the Colonel.
"I thought I knew all there was to know about pictures, antiques,
and all that sort of lumber," continued Colonel Deacon in his
rapid and off-hand manner. "Thought there weren't many men in
London could teach me anything; certainly never suspected a woman
could. But I've met one, boy! Gad! What a splendid creature!
You know there isn't much in the world I haven't seen--north,
south, east and west. I know all the advertised beauties of
Europe and Asia--stage, opera, and ballet, and all the rest of
them. But this one--Gad!"
He dropped into an arm-chair, clapping both his hands upon his
knees. Rene stood at the farther end of the library, in the
shadow, watching him.
"She's coming here to-morrow, boy--coming here. Gad! you dog!
You'll fall in love with her the moment you see her--sure to,
sure to! I did, and I'm three times your age!"
"Who is this lady, sir?" asked Rene, very quietly.
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