No timidity there, no need of assistance; no absurd, hampering skirts and artificial posture, either, but a seat astride as befits anyone who chooses to honor the king of four-footed creatures.
Under cover, Gray noted Allie's effect upon her attentive audience, and he smiled.

If only he could spend a few days here he would make her a woman to be sought after by some of the best people.

She refused to meet them, eh?
Well, that would be as it was to be.
"We've been having supper in our rooms lately," she told him, when they returned at dark.

"You're going to eat with us, ain--aren't you ?" "I am, to be sure.

But not in your rooms," he declared.
"I'd rather--" "You'd rather do exactly what would please me, now wouldn't you ?" "Yes, sir." "Then run along and put on that dinner dress that I liked best.