turn out right . . ." with commendable hesitance.

"I'll take all the responsibility. It's a whim."

"Well, you American girls are the eighth wonder of the world." The
purser was distinctly annoyed. "And it may be an impertinence on my
part, but I never yet saw an American woman who would accept advice or
act upon it."

"Thanks. What would you advise?" with dangerous sweetness.

"Not to meet this man. It's irregular. I know nothing about him. If
you had a father or a brother on board. . . ."

"Or even a husband!" laughing.

"There you are!" resignedly. "You laugh. You women go everywhere, and
half the time unprotected."

"Never quite unprotected. We never venture beyond the call of
gentlemen."

"That is true," brightening. "You insist on meeting this chap?"

"I do not insist; only, I am bored, and he might interest me for an
hour." She added: "Besides, it may annoy the others."

The purser grinned reluctantly. "You and the colonel don't get on.
Well, I'll introduce this chap at dinner. If I don't. . . .