She laughed, but at the same time his solicitude did not appear unwelcome in the least. "Foolish boy, you don't suppose, I hope, that I have any Quixotic notion of parading across the island carrying the star spangled banner wrapped around me. My object is of a different character. For once in my life I am to play the Lady Bountiful. Cuba has been looked after as well as the conditions allow. I am informed there is also much suffering in Porto Rico. I have had my yacht stocked with provisions and medical stores, and shall relieve honest distress wherever I find it, no matter under what flag." "God bless you, Cousin Cleo. You will find plenty of it there. The Spaniards have tightened the mailed hand of late, and Porto Rico groans under the scourge. Soon freedom's blessings will be their heritage. Every man whose smallest act brings such a consummation to pass, should feel proud of the fact. Where is this boat of yours, cousin?" "Entering Dublin bay this morning." "And when will you leave old Erin?" "When you give the word." It confused him a little to realize how much she deferred to his judgment. "Pardon me--will there be other passengers?" "None." "Then I will accept"--he had desired to make sure Jerome's hateful presence might not bring about a duel during the voyage. "We will call it settled. An hour's notice will find us aboard, bag and baggage. Govern your own actions as your duty demands." "This is awfully kind of you Cousin Cleo." "The obligation is on your part, to put up with our dull society for ten days." "You hurt me when you speak that way. It will surely be one of the most pleasant episodes of my life. I am smiling to think that after most positively declining one yacht voyage last night I have so readily accepted another." "Some one else asked you to go to Porto Rico?" "Well, no, I rather imagine the intention was for me to bring up in a hotter country than the Antilles. The trip contemplated a voyage to Havre and then across country to the later Monaco, the gambling palace of Monte Carlo." "Oh! I am glad you refused to go." "So am I. But the invitation was very pressing. However, rather than disappoint the gentleman I sent my representative to receive the honors." "It was a _gentleman_ who asked you then?" His eyes opened with surprise. "Certainly--that is he did not really ask me, you see, but arranged a neat little affair whereby I was to be a guest of honor." "How stupid of me, to be sure, I begin to see now that you are speaking of a business engagement, not a social matter. And will your substitute serve as well as if you had gone?" "Just as well, until they learn that it is not Roderic Owen they are entertaining with so lavish a hand, but plain Joel Darby. Then I imagine there will be an explosion of some sort and her ladyship will show temper." "Her ladyship--then there is a woman involved?"