The woman was interesting; there could be no doubt of
that; but she possessed little attraction for me. Her charms, on
close inspection, were really quite too evident.
I require subtlety in a woman, and so far as I could discover Le
Mire knew not the meaning of the word. We had spent many hours
during the trip across in pleasant companionship; she had done me
the honor to tell me that she found my conversation amusing; and,
after all, she was undeniably a pretty woman. She had invited me
with evident sincerity to call on her in New York; but I had not
as yet taken advantage of the invitation.
I did not then think, and I do not now believe, that I acted
foolishly when I took Harry to see her. In any event, he would
have seen her sooner or later, and since all temptations meet us
at one time or another, it is best to have it out with them at as
early a date as possible. At the time, indeed, I gave the subject
no thought whatever; but if I had I should not have hesitated.
We took tea with her the following afternoon in her apartment,
and I must confess that I myself was more than a little impressed
when I entered. I realized then that on the ship nothing had been
in her favor; she had been completely out of her element, and she
was not a good sailor.
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