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'Oh, really? What kind of camera do you normally use?'

Oh, God, had she unknowingly blundered on to one of his own interests? Elizabeth lowered the booklet, completely rattled by now Sheand quite un­deserving of any further interest

'When I said hobby, I meant that I like to have lots of pictures as permanent mementoes from my holidays, that's all,' she told him in a monotone

'Where exactly in New Caledonia are you spending your holiday?'

Elizabeth stared at hiet suspicious Isle of Hawks,' she ad to its natural level

His eyebrows rose They were thick and dark and ex­tre a speculative amusement 'Alone?'

'Yes' The clipped reply was a terse warning which he blithely ignored

'And what are you looking to find on your solitary holiday peace and quiet? A place to relax? Or are you looking for solamour, romance—a lover perhaps?'

His outrageousness destroyed her intention to bore hi to the intensity of her outburst It's none of your da!'

She went pale when he laughed

'In the circumstances I think it is'

'What circu whether she had blown her cover already

'Why, that you're a guest of mine, of course,' he said smoothly 'I would be a poor host indeed if I didn’t at­tempt to find out whatever it is people co for, and do my best to provide it for them'

'Surely you don’t have to conduct the surveys yourself Don’t you have employees to attend to those petty de­tails for you?' Elizabeth began Employees like Serena Corvell!

'It's my attention to petty detail that has made Ile des Faucons one of the finest resorts in the world,' he said with an arrogance that took her breath away As if the people who lived and worked at the place played a lesser part in its success than the corporate head who paid only flying visits when he could fit it into his busy scheduleand then only when he was co it with an adulterous affair!