Being Irish, Myra Rostrevor was by nature more than a little
superstitious and inclined to attach some importance to dreams and
omens, and she rode away feeling just a tiny bit scared at heart, and
wondering uneasily if perchance Don Carlos de Ruiz was a thought-reader.
"Sure, and I don't know what to make of you, Myra," she whispered to
her own reflection in the mirror, as she changed from her riding
costume into a morning frock. "I don't know what to make of you at
all, at all! And I don't know what to make of Don Carlos, either. I
don't know if you are in love with him or not, and I'm not sure but
what if he kissed you again you might make a fool of yourself and give
up the idea of making a fool of him.... Oh, if only I knew whether he
is in earnest or not!"
Myra was almost afraid to attempt to analyse her own feelings and
emotions, and could come to no decision concerning either herself or
Don Carlos. She continued to "blow hot, blow cold" every time they
met, sometimes treating him with studied coldness, at other times
flirting with him beguilingly, but always taking precautions against
giving him any opportunity to kiss her again.
Meanwhile Tony Standish had taken Lady Fermanagh's advice, and he was
wooing Myra with all the fervour and passion of which his somewhat
phlegmatic nature was capable, wooing her as if their betrothal was yet
to be, instead of an accomplished fact. Hardly a day passed but he
brought or sent some expensive trifle, together with flowers,
chocolates, or cigarettes, with assurances of his undying affection.
His tributes of devotion made Myra feel just a trifle guilty, made her
wonder, too, if Tony had decided that the love-making of Don Carlos was
something more than make-believe, and he was trying to make sure of her.
"Oh, Tony, dear, you make me feel as if you were buying me!" she
exclaimed one afternoon, when her lover presented her with a diamond
pendant. "Why have you given me such lots of presents lately, you
extravagant old thing?"
"Well, darling, I want to show you how much in love with you I am,"
answered Tony, looking quite bashful. "I am tremendously in love with
you, Myra, honour bright, and I'd do anything to prove it. I'd--I'd
give my life for you, sweetheart. Honestly, it would break my heart if
I lost you."
"Tony, what makes you talk of losing me?" Myra asked quickly.