The Gorgeous Isle

"Good God, no! Unless, to be sure, you have a charity entertainment. I have done that in the past and felt that the object compensated for the torture. But I am somewhat surprised to find that you are a lion hunter."

"I don't think I am--that is, I hardly know. You are the first great man I have ever seen. Perhaps after a season in London I shall be quite frivolous and worldly."

"I can imagine nothing of the kind. I am not so surprised to learn that you have not yet spent a season in town."

"Oh, yes, I am a country girl," she said roguishly.

"Not quite that." But he did not pursue the subject, and in a few moments they came to the gates of Bath House. He took the cloak from her shoulders. "It would exceed the bounds of decorum should I escort you further," he said formally. "If you will hasten you will not take cold. Good night."

She thanked him and ran up the steps and, avoiding the saloon, to her own room.

"I have begun well," she thought triumphantly. "No one could say that I have not done my part. And if he does not drink for three months--who knows?"