Page 38 (2/2)

Tristan siven her credit

Tristan waited for Miss S to the terrace room Miss Smythe’s placid temperament had served toword froer at bay

“Well?” Histhe padded arreeable?”

Tristan sat down in the chair opposite He wanted to rant and rage, but experience had taught him that the element of surprise, coupled with a calm reserve, worked to unnerve one’s quarry

“She is a delight,” he said honestly

“I knew if you would only give her a little time you would soon see the merits of her character”

“Indeed I aentleman would admire”

His h “I am truly thrilled, and what a marvellous stroke of luck you were able to return home so pro your time”

He straightened, stared at the woman he kneas responsible for five years of pain and misery “Albeit short, e had proved enlightening “But urgent business brought me back to town”

“Oh, Tristan,” she said chuckling weakly “You may be honest with me You caive one the opportunity to think without distraction I haveabout the countryside in a carriage”

Wise decisions? Was that the ter lives “Have you ever ret?”

She seemed a little surprised by the question Her head wobbled as she nodded and shook it at the sae to stand by one’s principles Regret is for the weak, for those who like toin sentiment”

“I suppose you’re right” He gave a ht for justice, to fight for those downtrodden and ued by excessive bouts of sentimentality is of no use in the field”

She flapped her hand in the air and squeezed her eyes shut “Let us not talk of your terrible ti about with those heathens”

“The point I aret my time there And you knohy I left, why I had no choice but to leave Keland”