Explore "The Leopard's Spots" by Fred M. White on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
With the open cablegram in her hand the Princess walked casually up the stairs in the direction of her private sitting-room. She was followed by Hawthorne, who closed the door behind him, and then waited eagerly for his companion to explore the contents of the envelope. Very coolly she lighted a cigarette first, and then dropped into a chair as if she had not a single care or anxiety in the world. With a mingled feeling of irritation and admiration, Hawthorne watched her.
"Well, there's nothing the matter with your nerves, at any rate," he said. "But why pose before me, Olive? You must be just as anxious as I am to see the contents of that envelope. For goodness sake open it."