As Jack paced the far end of the veranda that evening a girlish figure,
only poorly concealed under a light wrap, stole after him. As the
young woman reached him she threw back a light veil, revealing the very
pretty face of Mlle. Nadiboff.
"So, my Captain," she cried, "you would forget me when you are getting
up a party to take a cruise on your wonderful craft?"
If young Benson felt anything as he looked, he was staggered by this
amazing bit of effrontery.
"You do not answer me," cried Mlle. Nadiboff. "You feel guilty indeed,
then?"
"Perhaps 'astonished' would be the more accurate word," Jack replied,
smiling now.
"My Captain, you were very pleasant with me, the first evening that we
met."
"That was before," nodded Captain Benson, still smiling. He stood cap
in hand, his whole bearing respectful, for he did not intend to be
discourteous even to this known adventuress. He would grant her at
least the courtesy due her sex.
"Before what?" she asked.
"Well, er--before that automobile ride the day."
"And why should that change your attitude toward me, my Captain?" asked
the young Russian. Her tone was coaxing, almost cooing; her eyes
extremely moist, as though the tears would spring forth in another
instant.
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