"I AM busy," he admitted, "but I need a
few hours' relaxation. It will help me to work more effectively
to-morrow--against your father and your uncle," he came back with
a smile that included them both.
Alice Frome took up the challenge gaily. "We're going to beat you.
Father will be elected."
"Then I'll be the first to congratulate him," he promised. Turning
to Mrs. Van Tyle, "Shall we say this evening?" he added.
"You're not afraid to venture yourself into the hands of the
enemy," drawled that young woman, her indolent eyes daring him.
Again he studiously included them both in his answer. "I'm afraid
all right, but I'm not going to let you know it. Did I hear you
set a time?"
"If you are really willing to take the risk we shall be glad to
see you this afternoon."
James observed that Alice Frome did not second her cousin's
invitation. He temporized.
"Oh, this afternoon! I have an engagement, but I am tempted to
forget it in remembering a subsequent one."
His smiling gaze passed to Alice and gave her another chance.
Still she did not speak.
"The way to treat a temptation is to yield to it," the older
cousin sparkled.
"In order to be done with it, I suppose.
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