aboard. Myself, too, I am very glad."

"I thought you said you were going--"

"I was, but I changed my mind at the last moment. It is far more
comfortable going down by boat than it is by stage. Then, the
thought of the pleasure of your society on the journey--" He was
smiling, rather maliciously.

"Yes, yes, of course!" somewhat dismally.

"But now, to be frank with you, you don't seem altogether happy.
Why do you want to be rid of me? What harm have I done?" smiled
Dunwody.

"Oh, my dear sir!"

"May not one change his mind if he likes?"

"My dear sir, there is no argument about that."

"Certainly not! The only argument is on the previous
question--When are you going to introduce me as you should, to that
extremely beautiful young lady who is with you?"

"Good God, my very dear sir!"

"You are not 'my dear sir' at all, so long as you try to hoodwink
me," persisted Dunwody, still smiling. "Come, now, what are you
doing here, west bound with a young and charming person who is not