"That sounds like compliments or candour," she murmured. "I'm terrified
of both."
"Well, I guess I'm not out to frighten you," he assured her. "I'll keep
the secrets of my heart hidden--until after luncheon, at any rate---and
just ask you--how you enjoyed your stay in Berlin?"
Maggie's manner changed. She lowered her voice.
"In Berlin?" she repeated.
"In the household of the erstwhile leather manufacturer, the present
President, Herr Essendorf. I hope you liked those fat children. They
always seemed to me loathsome little brats."
"What do you know about my stay in Berlin?" she demanded.
"Everything there is to be known," he answered. "To tell you the truth,
our people there were a trifle anxious about you. I was the little angel
watching from above."
"You are, without a doubt," Maggie pronounced, "a most interesting young
man. We will talk together presently."
"A hint which sends me back to my mutton," the young man observed.
"Dorminster," he added, turning to his host, "I heard the other day, on
very good authority, that you were thinking of writing a novel. If you
are, study the lady who has just entered. There is a type for you, an
intelligence which might baffle even your attempts at analysis."
Naida, escorted by her father and Immelan, took her place at an
adjacent table. She bowed to Nigel and Karschoff before sitting down,
and her eyes travelled over the rest of the party with interest. Then
she recognised Maggie and waved her hand.
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