It was in the midst of this dinner at Les Fleurs that Stainton, begging his guest's pardon, glanced at a letter that had been handed him as he and Muriel that evening left the hotel. "Hello," he said, "these French business-men are not so slow, after all. They have drawn the final papers, and I am to sign them to-morrow." He turned to Muriel. "So," he said, "I shall have to break our agreement this once, Muriel, and leave you alone for the morning. Will you forgive me?" Muriel smiled. "I'll try," she said. "You won't be bored?" "Oh, I'll be bored, of course, but I shall make the best of it." "Permit me," interposed von Klausen, "to offer my services to Mrs. Stainton." "Your services?" asked Muriel. "To occupy you during your husband's absence. It is unendurable to think of you as wholly deserted--is it not, sir?" The Austrian was addressing Jim. Stainton and his wife exchanged a quick glance. Jim was thinking of her expression of dislike for the Captain; Muriel was annoyed because her husband had neglected to read his letter before they joined von Klausen: she was in the mood for revenge. "Oh, she'll make out," said Stainton. "Won't you, Muriel?" "I don't know," replied Muriel. "It will be very dull." "Then I renew my offer," said von Klausen. "But, Captain," protested Jim, apparently blind to everything but his wife's prejudice, "we couldn't think of imposing on you." "An imposition--Mr. Stainton! How an imposition? A privilege, I assure you, sir." "But your duties at the Embassy?" "One can sacrifice much for one's friends, Mr. Stainton; as it fortunately happens, I shall be all at liberty to-morrow morning. The spring is come upon us early. It will, I am sure, be delightful weather. If Mrs. Stainton will permit me the pleasure of driving her through the Bois----" "Thank you," said Muriel. "You are very kind. I'll go." Stainton looked perplexedly at his wife. He did not, however, again broach the matter until they were safely in their own rooms at the hotel and were ready for bed. "I hope you'll forgive me," he at last said. "For what?" "For getting you into that confounded engagement with young von Klausen. It was stupid of me. I don't know how I ever blundered into it." "It's of no consequence. I dare say I can stand him for once." "Of course you can, dear. Still, I know how you dislike the Captain, and so I hope you'll pardon----" "Nonsense," yawned Muriel. "Don't think about it any more. And do turn out the light. I'm awfully sleepy." XVI IN THE BOIS