"Miss Marian, I wouldn't have any harm come to you for the wide world. If--if anything should turn out amiss I'd shoot him, I certainly would." The girl's only answer was a merry peal of laughter. CHAPTER XII. "A VOW." BENT, as was Strahan, upon his scheme of disturbing Merwyn's pride and indifference, he resolved to permit several days to pass before repeating his call. He also, as well as Marian, was unwilling to compromise himself beyond a certain point, and it was his hope that he might receive a speedy visit. He was not disappointed, for on the ensuing day Merwyn sauntered up the Strahan avenue, and, learning that the young officer had gone to camp, followed him thither. The cold glance from the fair stranger in the phaeton dwelt in his memory, and he was pleased to find that it formed sufficient incentive to action. Strahan saw him coming with a grim smile, but greeted him with off-hand cordiality. "Sorry, Merwyn," he said, "I can give you only a few moments before I go on duty." "You are not on duty evenings?" "Yes, every other evening." "How about to-night?" "At your service." "Are you acquainted with the people who reside at a cottage--" and he described Marian's abode. "Yes." "Who are they?" "Mr. Vosburgh has rented the place as a summer residence for his family. His wife and daughter are there usually, and he comes when he can. "And the daughter's name?" "Miss Marian Vosburgh." "Will you introduce me to her?" "Certainly." "I sha'n't be poaching on your grounds, shall I?" "Miss Vosburgh honors me with her friendship,--nothing more." "Is it so great an honor?" "I esteem it as such." "Who are they, anyway?" "Well, as a family I regard them as my equals, and Miss Marian as my superior." "Oh come, Strahan, gossip about them a little." The officer burst out laughing. "Well," he said, "for a man of your phenomenal reticence you are asking a good many questions." Merwyn colored slightly and blundered: "You know my motive, Strahan; one does not care to make acquaintances that are not quite--" and then the expression of his host's eyes checked him. "I assure you the Vosburghs are 'QUITE,'" Strahan said, coldly. "Did I not say they were my equals? You may esteem yourself fortunate if Miss Vosburgh ever permits you to feel yourself to be her equal." "Why, how so?" a little irritably. "Because if a man has brains and discernment the more he sees of her the more will he be inclined to doubt his equality." Merwyn smiled in a rather superior way, and, with a light laugh, said: "I understand, Strahan. A man in your plight ought to feel in that way; at least, it is natural that he should. Now see here, old fellow, I'll keep aloof if you say so." "Why should you? You have seen few society queens abroad who received so much and so varied homage as Miss Vosburgh. There are half a dozen fellows there, more or less, every evening, and you can take your chances among them." "Oh, she's a bit of a coquette, then?"