"Not since I had my last row with the governor. Have you?"

"Many times. It will prove an interesting trip for you. At least
you have that consolation."

"What is it like?"

Evidently the artless effrontery of the young man had not
offended, for his neighbor talked freely, and in a short time the
two were conversing as easily as old acquaintances. This was due,
perhaps, to the fact that he had appealed to her with the same
frankness he would have used toward a man and, thus far at least,
had quite ignored her sex. She was sufficiently quick to
appreciate the footing thus established, and allowed herself to
meet him half-way. Had he presumed in the slightest, she would
have chilled him instantly; but, as it was, she seemed to feel the
innate courtesy back of his boldness, seeing in him only a big,
unaffected boy who needed an outlet for his feelings. In the same
way, had a fine St. Bernard dog thrust a friendly head beneath her
hand she would have petted it.

When at last she rose, after an hour that had swiftly sped, she
was gratified at the look of concern that came into his eyes. She
looked at him with genuine approval as he bowed and said:

"Thank you for the pointers about Panama. I hope I may have the
pleasure of talking to you again."

When she had disappeared he murmured, admiringly: