as fresh and glossy. Moreover, her habiliments were
such as to cause most of the feminine occupants of the boat to make
careful note, when she had accepted Carlisle's escort and entered
the dining-room. She walked with calmness to the table reserved
for her, and with inclination of the head thanked him as he
arranged her chair for her. Thus in a way the gauntlet was by both
thrown down to all present.

Most of those present without hesitation showed their interest.
The hum of the dingy tables slackened and ceased. A score of women
frowned at a score of men whose glances wandered undutifully. Who
was she, and what? That question certainly passed in the minds of
most in the crowded little room. Meantime, Josephine St. Auban's
own eyes were not unregardful.

"I see that my guess was quite correct," she said at length,
smiling full at her guardian.

At once he caught her thought. "Oh, about Mr. Dunwody," he
assented, assuming a carelessness which she read through at once.
"Yes, I met him--a while ago. He told me he had suddenly decided
to change his plans and take the Vernon down the river, instead of
going by stage. Very natural of him, too, I should say. I would
be much distressed to think of myself traveling by coach, even in
weather pleasant as this. He has keen eyes, though, has he not?"
he added resentfully.

"That is to say--"

"So hard hit that he threatens a duel or worse if I do not at once
further his desire to pursue his acquaintance. It's not myself
he's so eager to meet. He has no love for me, that's sure, long
ago."

"Indeed?" She kept her eyes fixed on her plate. If a slight flush
tinged her cheek it scarce was visible. "Is that all?" she asked
at length.

"Madam, you yourself could best answer your own question." He
looked at her keenly, not showing his case; not telling her that
Dunwody had shown him her hasty note. Not the flicker of an
eyelash betrayed her own thought. Surely, she had courage.
Surely, she meant trouble.

"How delightful!" she resumed at length calmly. "Not that I weary
of your company, sir; but I told you my parole was ended when we
reached the boat. Suppose, now, I should stand up here and cry out
that I am being restrained of my liberty. What would be the
result?"

"I should be hung at the yard-arm instantly! I should be lynched.
Dunwody would come in the lead, crashing over the tables. I fear
Dunwody, even bearing a rope, as we used to say--in V