"Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your
gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he drew
aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the
measure I swung my partner forward, catching glimpse again of the man's
face as we circled.

"Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil.

"Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel with
him; that is his one specialty, you know."

"Is the warning on your account, or my own?"

"Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors--or were
before war intervened--and between our fathers exists a life-long
friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarrelling with
any one, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is."

"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I
returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is
usually cowardice back of such a disposition."

"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been
sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so
far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course."

"What is that?"

Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their
depths.