That is more than I can bear. Come, let us take a little walk
together in the grounds. I want you to tell me just what part you
thought I had in some affair against you. I insist; it is my right to
know this. Your arm, my Captain!"
As she spoke, Mlle. Nadiboff slipped her soft little right hand inside
of Captain Jack's arm.
Captain Jack took hold of that hand to disengage it. But Mlle. Nadiboff
merely held the tighter, while the boy was conscious that she was
gazing up at him appealingly.
"I don't wish to be rude, Mademoiselle; don't, force me to be," the
submarine boy urged. "Will you kindly release my arm?"
Then, with a subdued though angry exclamation, the girl obeyed.
"You will not even hear me?" she cried, stamping one foot lightly
against the veranda boards, while now her eyes brimmed with tears.
"By jove, but she's a bully actor," thought Benson, with a sort of
admiration.
"I am sorry, Mademoiselle," he replied, "But I am wanted now. I am
forced to say 'good evening.'"
With a bow he turned and left her, replacing his cap as he strode away.
"Oh, that fool, that unnatural young man!" she cried, angrily, to
herself. "He prefers what he calls 'duty' to the friendly glance of a
pretty eye.
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