omething Olympic but unfrequented. Inside, it was a vast
cathedral of untenanted pews.

Davidge paid the driver a duke's ransom. There was no porter about,
and he carried Marie Louise's suit-cases to the parcel-room. Her
baggage had had a long journey. She retreated to the women's room for
what toilet she could make, and came forth with a very much washed
face. Somnambulistic negroes took their orders at the lunch-counter.

Marie Louise had weakly decided to return to New York again, but the
hot coffee was full of defiance, and she said that she would make
another try at Mrs. Widdicombe as soon as a human hour arrived.

And she showed a tactfulness that won much respect from Davidge when
she said:

"Do get your morning paper and read it. I'm sure I have nothing to say
that I haven't said, and if I had, it could wait till you find out how
the battle goes in Europe."

He bought her a paper, too, and they sat on a long bench, exchanging
comments on the news that made almost every front page a chapter in
world history.

She heard him groan with rage. When she looked up he pointed to the
submarine record of that week.

"Last week the losses took a horrible jump--forty ships of over
sixteen hundred tons. This week it's almost as bad--thirty-eight
ships of over sixteen hundred, thirteen ships under, and eight
fishing-vessels. Think of it--all of 'em merchant-ships!

"Pretty soon I've got to send my ship out to run the gantlet. She's
like Little Red Riding Hood going through the forest to take old
Granny Britain some food. And the wolves are waiting for her. What a
race of people, what a pack of beasts!"

Marie Louise had an idea. "I'll tell you a pretty name for your
ship--_Little Red Riding Hood_. Why don't you give her that?"

He laughed. "The name would be heavier than the cargo. I wonder what
the crew would make of it. No, this ship, my first one, is to be named
after"--he lowered his voice as one does on entering a church--"after
my mother."

"Oh, that's beautiful!" Marie Louise said. "And will she be there to
christen-- Oh, I remember, you said--"

He nodded three or four times in wretchedness. But the grief was his
own, and he must not exploit it. He assumed an abrupt cheer.

"I'll name the next ship after you, if you don't mind."

This was too glorious to be believed. What bouquet or jewel could
equal it? She clapped her hands like a child hearing a Christmas
promise.

"What is your first name, Miss