"Do not add profanity to ill-manners," she interposed. "Perhaps I have no right to complain. There is the door, sir; you have but to press the button, stop the driver, and get out. I am in a terribly embarrassing position to-night, one which my own folly has brought me to. It was absolutely necessary that a gentleman should accompany me in this carriage to my destination. When you came forth from your club--the only club the exact location of which I am familiar with--you appeared to be a gentleman, one I could trust to accompany me. To attract your attention, and at the same time arouse your curiosity, I had to resort to equivocal methods. It is an adventure, sir. Will you see it to the end, or shall I press the button?" "Permit me to ask a question or two!" I was mightily confused at the turn of things. "Perfect confidence in me, or I shall open the door." "In any other city but New York--" "Yes or no!"--imperiously. "Hang it, madam!" Her hand went toward the electric button. "To the end of the world, and no questions asked." Her hand dropped. "Thank you,"--gently. "Curiosity is something we can't help; otherwise I should not be here, ass that I am! Chivalry isn't all dead. If you are in trouble depend upon me; only I must be back in New York by to-morrow night." "You will not leave the city. You have no fear?" "I should not be here else." "Oh, but you must be imagining all sorts of terrible things." "I am doing some thinking, I'll admit. How easily a woman can make a fool of a man!" "Sometimes." "I am a shining example. How you must have laughed at me! A pretty woman has more power over a man's destiny than all the signs of the Zodiac put together. And it's natural that he should want to kiss her. Isn't it?" "I am not a man." "A saint would have tripped. Put yourself in my place--" "Thank you; I am perfectly satisfied." "A beautiful woman asks me to enter her carriage--" "And, thinking that I had mistaken you for some one I knew, you kissed me!"--derisively. "I wished to learn where I stood in your affections." "A very interesting method of procedure!" "And when I touched your hand you acted as if mine had stung you." "It did." "There's no getting around that,"--resignedly. "Shall I tell you frankly what I at one time took you to be?" "If it will relieve your mind." "Well, I believed you to be some classic adventuress." "And you are sure I am not?" "Positive now. You see, I have considerable money on my person." "Wouldn't it be wise for you to hand it over to some policeman to keep for you till to-morrow? Do not take any unnecessary risks. You do not dream into what I am leading you." The carriage suddenly stopped. "The journey is at an end," she said. "So soon?"