And she found him changed. He was younger. Some of the
lines had smoothed out of his forehead. His face showed its
cheekbones less sharply and his hair dipped charmingly, like an
untidy boy's. His shirt was open at the throat. He did not look like
a professor at all. Desire momentarily experienced what Dr. John had
called a "heightening of vibration."
"Anything that I can do," offered he helpfully.
"The best thing will be to stop doing," suggested desire. "Don't you
know that you're accessory to a reception this afternoon? Of course
you are only the host, but it looks better to have the host
unwilted."
"Like the salad? I hadn't thought of that. In fact I'm afraid I
haven't been giving the matter serious attention. I must consult my
secretary. How else should a host look?"
"He should look happy."
Benis noted this on his cuff.
"Yes?"
Desire's eyes began to sparkle.
"If he is a bridegroom, as well as a host, he should be careful to
look often at the bride."
"No chance," said Spence gloomily. "Not with the mob that's coming."
"Above all, he looks after his least attractive lady guests. And he
never on any account slips away for a smoke with a stray gentleman
friend."
The professor's gloom lightened. "Is there going to be a stray
gentleman friend? Did old Bones promise?"
Desire nodded triumphantly.
"First time in captivity," murmured Spence. "How on earth did you
manage it?"
"I simply asked him!"
"As easy as that?"
They both laughed as happy people laugh at merest nonsense.
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