His eyes glowed.
"In search of new things," he answered.
"Guns?
Fortifications ?" "Neither." A spirit of mischief possessed her.

Lessingham's manner was baffling and yet provocative.

For a moment the political possibilities of his presence faded away from her mind.

She had an intense desire to break through his reserve.
"Won't you tell me--why you came ?" "I could tell you more easily," he answered in a low tone, "why it will be the most miserable day of my life when I leave." She laughed at him with perfect heartiness.
"How delightful to be flirted with again!" she sighed.

"And I thought all German men were so heavy, and paid elaborate, underdone compliments.
Still, your secret, sir, please?
That is what I want to know." "If you will have just a little patience!" he begged, leaning so close to her that their heads almost touched, "I promise that I will not leave this place before I tell it to you." Philippa's eyes for the first time dropped before his.