ne of those young bachelors who are
coming down to-night, I'd have done it. I like Thomas; and I don't think
he kissed you either to affront or to insult you."

"Indeed!"--icily.

"I dare say I stole a kiss or two in my day."

"Does mother know it?"

"Back in the old country, when I was a lad. It's a normal impulse.
There isn't a young man alive who can look upon a pretty girl's face
without wishing to kiss it. I don't believe Thomas will repeat the
offense. The trouble, girl, is this--you've been living in a false
atmosphere, where people hide all their generous impulses because to be
natural is not fashionable."

"I marvel at you more and more. Is it generous, then, to kiss a girl
without so much as by your leave? If he had been sorry, if he had
apologized, I might overlook the deed. But he kissed me and walked away.
Do you realize what such an action means to any young woman with pride?
Very well, if he apologizes he may stay; but no longer on the basis of
friendship. It must be purely business. When my guests arrive I shall
not consider it necessary to ask him to join any of our amusements."

"Poor devil! He'll have to pay for that kiss."

"Next, I suppose you'll be wanting me to marry him!" Kitty volleyed. But
she wasn't half so angry as she pretended.

"What? Thomas?"

"Ah, that's different, isn't it? There, there; I've promised to overlook
the offense on condition that he apologize and keep his place. I have
always said that you'd rather have a man about than me."

"Well, perhaps I could understand a man better."

"Go down to breakfast. I hear mother moving about. I'll ring for what I
need. I must bathe and dress. Some of the people will motor in for
lunch."

Killigrew, subdued and mystified, went in search of Thomas and discovered
him in almost the exact spot he had left him; for Thomas, having
breakfasted, had returned to the living-room to await the motor.

"Thomas, when Kitty comes down, apologize. And remember this, that you
can't kiss a pretty girl just because you happen to want to."

"But, Mr. Killigrew, I didn't want to!" said Thomas.

"Well, I'll be tinker-dammed!"

"I mean . . . Really, sir, it is better that I should return at once to
the city. I'm a rotter."

"Don't be a fool! Take your grips back to your room, and don't let's
have any more nonsense. Finish up that report from Brazil; and if you
handle it right, I'll take you into the office where you'll be