And Powart had no choice other than to reflect her smile with one of
his own, while he quietly slipped the little case back into his
pocket.

Almost with the same motion he took out a watch. "You must excuse
me. Business of state, as usual."

"Certainly," as she rose. She gave a quick glance around, then shook
her head playfully as Powart took a single eager step toward her.
"Next time," she said; and he bit his lip, gripped her hand tightly,
and strode away. In a minute he and his guards were back in the
yacht, and in three minutes out of sight.

By that time Fort and Mona's mother had returned. There was a quick
exchange of glances between the two women, and then the mother
excused herself and went in the house. Fort suddenly became
awkwardly self-conscious.

"Well, I must be going." He paused; a gleam of mischief flashed into
his eyes--a kind of final come-back. "Next time I rescue you, young
lady, I shall let you get hurt ever so much worse, so that I can
have an excuse to call more than I have so far!"

His face sobered swiftly. "I nearly forgot. May I congratulate you
upon your--engagement? Mr. Powart is a very fine man."

"Thank you; so he is. Really, I have lately come to wonder if I am
good enough for him." Then, significantly: "The date has been
postponed indefinitely. It is not impossible that I may give him