"
"I came, because for some reason I have to be out of doors. I _couldn't_
go into the Rooms! I'd take a long walk, if I knew where to go."
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. Will you let me guide you somewhere, and
give you a surprise?"
Mary looked undecided. "I'd like that. But I have an engagement this
afternoon. Not in the Casino--or anywhere at Monte Carlo. It's up at
Roquebrune. I have promised to go and see the--the cure's garden there."
"I'll bring you back from my expedition in plenty of time, if that's
all," said Hannaford. He did not urge, but Mary knew that he very much
wanted her to say yes.
"Will it be out of doors?"
"All the time out of doors, except for a few minutes when you're looking
at a curiosity. First we have to get to Mentone. I'll spin you over
there in a taxi. Then we can walk to--to the surprise. I'm sure you've
never been."
"Is it to see your villa?" Mary asked, for he had suggested her going
there some day.
"No, for I wouldn't take you to my house alone. We're not very
conventional, you and I, I'm afraid; but there must be a party for your
first visit to my 'castle in Spain' transplanted into Italy. I'll give
you, and any people you like to ask, a picnic luncheon over there. But
to-day I want you to lunch with me alone somewhere."
There was rather an odd ring in his voice, which made Mary look up
quickly, but his face was calm, even stolid, as usual; and she thought
that she had been mistaken. She put herself quietly into his care,
feeling the comfort of perfect ease in his companionship.
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