We had gone over the events of the day very thoroughly. If anything, he was more alarmed over our predicament than I. He seemed to sense the danger that attended my decision to shelter and protect this cool-headed, rather self-centred young woman at the top of my castle. To me, it was something of a lark; to him, a tragedy. He takes everything seriously, so much so in fact that he gets on my nerves. I wish he were not always looking at things through the little end of the telescope. I like a change, and it is a novelty to sometimes see things through the big end, especially peril. "They will yank us all up for aiding and abetting," he proclaimed, trying to focus his eyes on the shorthand book he was fumbling. "You wouldn't have me turn her over to the law, would you?" I demanded crossly. "Please don't forget that we are Americans." "I don't," said he. "That's what worries me most of all." "Well," said I loftily, "we'll see." We were silent for a long time. "It must be horribly lonely and spooky away up there where she is," I said at last, inadvertently betraying my thoughts. He sniffed. "Have you a cold?" I demanded, glaring at him. "No," he said gloomily; "a presentiment." "Umph!" Another period of silence. Then: "I wonder if Max--" I stopped short. "Yes, sir," he said, with wonderful divination. "He did." "Any message?" "She sent down word that the new cook is a jewel, but I think she must have been jesting. I've never cared for a man cook myself. I don't like to appear hypercritical, but what did you think of the dinner tonight, sir?" "I've never tasted better broiled ham in my life, Mr. Poopendyke." "Ham! That's it, Mr. Smart. But what I'd like to know is this: What became of the grouse you ordered for dinner, sir? I happen to know that it was put over the fire at seven--" "I sent it up to the countess, with our compliments," said I, peevishly. I think that remark silenced him. At any rate, he got up and left the room. I laid awake half the night morbidly berating the American father who is so afraid of his wife that he lets her bully him into sacrificing their joint flesh and blood upon the altar of social ambition. She had said that her father was opposed to the match from the beginning. Then why, in the name of heaven, wasn't he man enough to put a stop to it? Why--But what use is there in applying whys to a man who doesn't know what God meant when He fashioned two sexes? I put him down as neutral and tried my best to forget him.