Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/254

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252
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

replied he: "I flew to you the moment I received it."

"I fancy," said she, with a smile, "that we are both a little tired: you must have a cup of coffee with me before we begin to talk."

Sir George saw that she was embarrassed, and secretly enjoyed it.

"You will not let me pour out the coffee," said she, withdrawing her hand; "there, tell me if my picture is like me."

He rose, and the instant his back turned, she emptied into his cup the contents of a little phial, that she took, with the rapidity of thought, from the folds of her dress.

"I cannot look at a picture," exclaimed he, "while I can gaze on the original."

"Well," replied she, "your coffee is now ready."

He took the cup and drank it down—glad of it; for having to play the part of an ardent lover, he felt more sleepy than was quite suiting to the character. The coffee revived him;