"
Not being engaged for that waltz, Jack could hardly do, otherwise than
claim it. Indeed, he greatly enjoyed dancing with this gracious,
handsome young woman. Yet, soon after he had taken Mlle. Nadiboff
to her seat, and another partner appeared to claim her favor, Benson
slipped away.
"Go after Captain Benson, I beg of you, and bring him back here for
a moment," requested the young woman of her new partner. That gentleman
obeyed, even if with a poor grace. Jack returned, bowing, while the
gentleman walked away a few feet.
"Captain, you are a stranger here at Spruce Beach?" murmured Mlle.
Nadiboff, directing the full gaze of her luminous eyes at Jack's.
"Yes, truly."
"I go motoring at eleven in the morning. I shall expect you here, at
that hour, to drive with me."
Jack looked as regretful as he felt.
"I'm very, very sorry, Mademoiselle" he replied. "But I am here on
duty, and--"
"Duty?" she interrupted, with a light laugh. "And pray what is duty,
Captain, but a something with which to flavor our pleasures in life?"
"With me, Mlle. Nadiboff," Jack Benson replied, earnestly, "duty is
everything, pleasure included."
"I am not accustomed to having my commands disregarded," exclaimed the
young woman, though in a low tone, while her eyes flashed some of her
displeasure.
Pages:
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50