"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.

"You are giving me pain, Mademoiselle," Jack responded, gravely.
"Perhaps, at another time--"

"Enough sir!" the young woman interposed. "And now I behold my next
partner glancing this way appealingly. I shall speak with you the next
time we meet, Captain."

Jack bowed, withdrawing. Making his way around the ballroom, he dropped
into a seat beside Mr. Farnum.