Never to Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

console. The walls on either side of the marble chimneypiece were lined with bookshelves; most of them held sets of leather-bound volumes, but one shelf was filled with modern editions in bright dust jackets. It was more richly furnished, but in atmosphere the room reminded her of Mr. Everard’s study where she had first met Justin.
    “ Come and sit down,” he said.
    She sank into a deep wing chair covered with faded turquoise velvet while Justin pulled an old-fashioned bellrope by the fire.
    “I think this is one of the most peaceful rooms I’ve ever been in,” she said appreciatively.
    “My sister has a mania for interior decoration. She wants to refurnish it in a contemporary style,” he said, handing a silver cigarette box to her.
    “Oh, no ! That would ruin it. Surely you won’t let her?”
    “Certainly not. I prefer it as it is.”
    There was a tap at the door and an elderly manservant came in with a decanter on a silver tray.
    “This is Miss Fleming, Hubbard.”
    “Good evening, madam.”
    “Good evening.”
    “We will be ready in about ten minutes,” Justin said.
    “Very good, sir.” He bowed to Andrea and withdrew.
    “What a delightful old man,” Andrea said when he had closed the door. “I didn’t know white-haired butlers existed nowadays.”
    “Hubbard was here when I was a boy. He’s never admitted his age, but I should think he’s well over seventy,” Justin said, pouring two glasses of sherry. “I suggested that he ought to retire some years ago, but he was very offended, so I let him carry on.”
    He handed her a glass and set his own on the mantelpiece.
    “What a pity all the houses in Mayfair aren’t like this. It seems such a waste to turn them into offices,” she said.
    “After dinner I’ll show you the other rooms. The kitchen and bathrooms are the only ones that have been modernized.”
    “I would like to live in an old house,” she said reflectively. “Modern ones have no atmosphere.”
    “You are a curious mixture of materialism and idealism, Andrea,” he said, watching her.
    She smiled. “Are you psychoanalyzing me?”
    “Heaven forbid. I detest all this pseudoscientific jargon that people bandy about. Nevertheless, people’s attitudes to life are an interesting study. ”
    “Surely one’s attitude is conditioned by one’s circumstances.”
    “Not necessarily. For example, you are not what one would expect of a successful young woman who must be the envy of thousands of less successful girls.”
    “What did you expect?”
    “That you would be conscious of your looks, for one thing.”
    “But I am. Not in a vain way, if that’s what you mean. After all, it’s purely luck if one is born with a good face and figure. But I am well aware of my looks as a business asset. Although they have their disadvantages, too.”
    “You mean people admire you for your appearance and overlook your other qualities?”
    “Partly that, yes.” Her mouth curved. “For instance, would you take me out if I had spots and protruding teeth?”
    An answering glint of humor lighted his black eyes.
    “I doubt it. Would you come if I were a stout old party with a bald head and rheumy eyes? ”
    She laughed. “As you said, I am a materialist. A good dinner and pleasant surroundings might be sufficient inducement.”
    “Is that why you come—because I can provide good food and entertainment?”
    “That is one of the reasons,” she said frankly.
    “You are refreshingly honest. What are the other reasons?”
    Before she could reply, Hubbard reappeared to say that dinner was served. It was not until they had returned to the library that Justin said, “Now, tell me why I am permitted the pleasure of your, company? ”
    Andrea finished her coffee and replaced the delicate Spode cup and saucer on the tray that Hubbard had put beside her chair.
    “Because, so far, I have always enjoyed myself,” she replied lightly.
    He tossed his half-smoked cigar into the fire and stood up, a