Page:Wildwildheart00reesiala.pdf/218

Ann was glad that on her way she did not meet any one she knew. She wanted to learn news of Vera from Waring, but she had no desire to become the subject of further gossip. While it was harmless enough in general to have a cup of tea in the morning with a man friend—every one in Wairiri had this “morning tea” either at home or somewhere in town—she knew that in her case such a proceeding might be misconstrued. The balcony at the Imperial was a favorite rendezvous, but fortunately it was now well after eleven, and most of the tea-drinkers would have departed by this time.

In point of fact, besides Waring’s, only two of the tables were occupied when Ann arrived, and there was no one on the balcony whom she recognized. And no one paid any attention to her as she crossed over, and sat down opposite to Waring.

He ordered the tea, talked of his journey up from Hawkeston by car, the weather, and small local gossip, until the waiter had departed.

“Now what’s all this cock-and-bull story about you and Dick Holmes?” he asked.

“Perhaps you know as much as I do,” she answered.

“How should I know?”

“Didn’t you meet Mrs. Holmes in Sydney?”

“Yes, I ran across her one day in Pitt Street.”

“Is she still there? In Sydney, I mean.”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“I haven’t the faintest idea.”

“Haven’t you heard from her?”

He looked at her for a moment sharply.

“Why should I hear?” he asked.

“You were . . . were great friends, weren’t you?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid I don’t bother much about