The Voice in the Fog - Page 66/93

"He said that?" Behind her lips Kitty was already smiling. "You are

acting very strangely, dad."

"I know. Ordinarily I'd have taken him by the collar and hustled him

into the road. And if it had been one of those young bachelors who are

coming down to-night, I'd have done it. I like Thomas; and I don't think

he kissed you either to affront or to insult you."

"Indeed!"--icily.

"I dare say I stole a kiss or two in my day."

"Does mother know it?"

"Back in the old country, when I was a lad. It's a normal impulse.

There isn't a young man alive who can look upon a pretty girl's face

without wishing to kiss it. I don't believe Thomas will repeat the

offense. The trouble, girl, is this--you've been living in a false

atmosphere, where people hide all their generous impulses because to be

natural is not fashionable."

"I marvel at you more and more. Is it generous, then, to kiss a girl

without so much as by your leave? If he had been sorry, if he had

apologized, I might overlook the deed. But he kissed me and walked away.

Do you realize what such an action means to any young woman with pride?

Very well, if he apologizes he may stay; but no longer on the basis of

friendship. It must be purely business. When my guests arrive I shall

not consider it necessary to ask him to join any of our amusements."

"Poor devil! He'll have to pay for that kiss."

"Next, I suppose you'll be wanting me to marry him!" Kitty volleyed. But

she wasn't half so angry as she pretended.

"What? Thomas?"

"Ah, that's different, isn't it? There, there; I've promised to overlook

the offense on condition that he apologize and keep his place. I have

always said that you'd rather have a man about than me."

"Well, perhaps I could understand a man better."

"Go down to breakfast. I hear mother moving about. I'll ring for what I

need. I must bathe and dress. Some of the people will motor in for

lunch."

Killigrew, subdued and mystified, went in search of Thomas and discovered

him in almost the exact spot he had left him; for Thomas, having

breakfasted, had returned to the living-room to await the motor.

"Thomas, when Kitty comes down, apologize. And remember this, that you

can't kiss a pretty girl just because you happen to want to."

"But, Mr. Killigrew, I didn't want to!" said Thomas.

"Well, I'll be tinker-dammed!"

"I mean . . . Really, sir, it is better that I should return at once to

the city. I'm a rotter."