Sin. The image of Monte receded before this appeal to the
secret pleasure-loving woman, of insatiable curiosity, primitive and
unmoral, who dwells, according to a modern cynic philosopher, within
every daughter of Eve touched by the fire of genius.
She accepted the arrangement for Saturday, and before her visitors had
left the dressing-room her mind was busy with plausible deceits to
cover the sojourn in Chinatown. Something of Mollie Gretna's foolish
enthusiasm had communicated itself to Rita.
Later in the evening Sir Lucien called, and on hearing of the scheme
grew silent. Rita glancing at his reflection in the mirror, detected a
black and angry look upon his face. She turned to him.
"Why, Lucy," she said, "don't you want me to go?"
He smiled in his sardonic fashion.
"Your wishes are mine, Rita," he replied.
She was watching him closely.
"But you don't seem keen," she persisted. "Are you angry with me?"
"Angry?"
"We are still friends, aren't we?"
"Of course. Do you doubt my friendship?"
Rita's maid came in to assist her in changing for the third act, and
Pyne went out of the room. But, in spite of his assurances, Rita could
not forget that fierce, almost savage expression which had appeared
upon his face when she had told him of Mrs.
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