The attraction was too great for that.
Unless indeed--he looked across at the bent black head in sudden doubt--was it possible that the boy had met with a check in the least likely direction of all?
Could it be that the woman's plans did not include him after all?
No! No! That was out of the question.

He knew women.

A hard laugh rose to his lips.

If she had put a check upon Piers' advances it was not with the ultimate purpose of stopping him.

She knew what she was about too well for that, confound her! He stared at Piers who had wheeled suddenly from the fire at the sound of the laugh.