THE GIRL IN HIS HOUSE
three inflections; when she spoke it, it was like a caress. His hand shook.
"It is I, Armitage."
"Oh! When did you return?" said the voice.
"About an hour gone."
"It's nice of you to call me up."
He waited, but the invitation did not come. "Could I come up to tea this afternoon?"
"Oh, I'm sorry! I am going out with Mrs. Burlingham."
"To-morrow, then?"
"Yes."
"Good-by."
He hung up the receiver and stared at it for some time. What was the matter? Somehow her voice sounded odd. The old spontaneity was lacking. Generally she bubbled over the telephone. He did not dare ask himself questions.
That afternoon he went over to the office and pottered around uselessly, accomplishing nothing. About three o'clock he called up Betty, rather guiltily. Yes, she and Doris were going to a reception. He might have known that Doris would answer him
114
