"On the contrary, we were discussing--masked batteries." She scanned him covertly, but could get no inkling of his thoughts from his blank expression. "Captain Chisholm has a fatal habit of talking shop whenever he gets a chance. Isn't that Colonel Thornton beckoning to us over there?"
"Why, so it is. Shall we walk over and join him?" She paused to exchange a few words of greeting with several friends, then turned back to Douglas smilingly: "Come," and he suited his steps to hers as they started across the lawn. "How long will you remain in Washington, Mr. Hunter?"
"Until the sale of some property of mine is completed," briefly. "I asked for you this morning, Miss Thornton, thinking you might care to go for a motor ride, but they told me that you were lying down and could not be disturbed."
"They? Who?" swiftly. "This is the first I have heard of your call."
"Indeed? Why, I spoke to Annette when I reached the Carew residence this morning."
"Annette!" in growing astonishment, "_Annette_ told you I was indisposed and could not be disturbed?"
"Yes. My cousin had loaned me his car for the morning, and I thought it just possible that a run in the fresh air might set you up after the funeral yesterday."
"It was good of you to think of me, Mr. Hunter." She raised her eyes in time to see the Secretary of State regarding her intently as they strolled past him. He lifted his hat courteously and returned their words of greeting, but his face was grave as he paused and watched them moving through the throng. "I am sorry about this morning," continued Eleanor, "Annette and I will have a reckoning when we reach home."
"Yes." Douglas bent to catch the monosyllable. Her foot turned on the uneven ground and he put his hand on her arm to steady her. As his fingers closed over her soft, rounded arm, he instinctively drew her closer. The warmth of her skin through her glove thrilled him.
"I hope you will ask me again," she said.
"To-morrow--will you go with me to-morrow?" insistently.
"Yes." She met his eyes for a second, then glanced away, while a hot blush mantled her cheeks. "Provided, of course, that Cynthia Carew does not need me." Then in a louder tone, "Well, Uncle Dana, how are you?"
"Feeling splendidly. No need to ask about you and Douglas"--he smiled quizzically. "I am glad that you could come here to-day, Eleanor."