It was eleven o'clock, just to the minute, as the automobile chartered
by Mr. Farnum came around the corner of the hotel veranda. At that same
instant another and handsomer car came rolling into sight. The door of
the ladies' parlor opened, and Mlle. Sara Nadiboff, arrayed with
unusually pleasing effect, came out.

As she caught sight of Jack she started, then came eagerly over to him,
holding out her hand.

"Here comes my car," she murmured. "And I see, my Captain, that you have
changed your mind. You will drive with me this morning."

"I'm sorry that I can't," Benson replied, and he meant it. "But I am
engaged to go with Mr. Farnum and our party."

"You prefer to avoid me?" cried Mlle. Nadiboff, reproachfully, raising
her eyes swiftly to his.

"Now, please don't say that," begged Benson. "I wish you could
understand, Mademoiselle, how far from the truth it is."

"Say but the word, and Mr. Farnum will pardon you," coaxed the charming
young Woman.

"I couldn't even think of that," replied Benson. "It is business to go
with one's employer."

"Business?" repeated Mlle. Nadiboff, with an accent half of disdain.
"Surely, you are not sufficiently a petty shop-keeper or serf to think