She crouched her chin against her shoulder. “Shall I tell you the absolute truth? It’s silly of me to give away my secrets; a girl ought always to be a mystery.” Her finger went up to her mouth and her eyes twinkled. “It was because I knew that I was coming to England. I wanted to see how patient you---- You understand?” He jumped to his feet. “Then you hadn’t chucked me? All the time you were intending to come to me?” She winked at him. “Perhaps, and perhaps not. It would have depended on my temper and how full I was with other engagements.--No, you’re not to kiss me when I’m in bed; it isn’t done in the best families.” He drew back from her, laughing. “How good it is to be mocked! And how d’you like your family?” He seated himself on the edge of the bed. “Not there,” she reproved him; “that isn’t done either. Bring a chair.” When he had obeyed, she lay back with her face towards him and let him take her hand. “Meester Deek, it’s very sweet to have a father.” When he nodded, she shook her head. “You needn’t look so wise. You don’t know anything about it; you’ve had a father always. But to find a father when you’re grown up--that’s what’s so sweet and wonderful.” She fell silent. Then she said, “It’s like having a lover you don’t need to be afraid of. We know nothing unhappy about each other; he’s never had to whip me or be cross with me, the way he would have done if I’d always been his little girl.--You do look funny, Meester Deek; I believe you’re envying me and--and almost crying.” “It was in this room,” he said, “that I first met your mother. I heard her singing when I was lying in this very bed. She looked like you, Princess; and in fun she asked me to marry her.” Desire laughed softly. “I haven’t--not even in fun.” Then quickly, to prevent what he was on the point of saying, “I would have liked to have known you, Meester Deek, when you were quite, quite little. You’d never guess what I and my father talk about.” He had to try. At each fresh suggestion she shook her head. “About my beautiful mother. Isn’t it wonderful of him to have remembered and remembered? I believe if I wanted, I could help them to marry. Only,” she looked away from him, “that would spoil the romance.” “It wouldn’t spoil it Why do you always speak as if----” She pursed her lips. “It would. Marriage may be very nice, but it doesn’t do to let people know you too well. And then, there’s another reason: Mrs. Sheerug’s a dear, but she doesn’t like my mother.” “Doesn’t she?” He did his best to make his voice express surprise. “You know she doesn’t. And she has her doubts about me, too. I can tell that by the way she says, ’My dear, you laugh like your mother,’ as if to laugh like my mother was a crime. She thinks it’s wrong to be gay. I think in her heart she hates my mother.” Suddenly she sat up. “All from you, and I haven’t thanked you yet!”