Deering shook his head. "No; the other girl was not so tall and her voice was different; it was wonderfully sweet and full of laughter. I couldn't be fooled about it." "There's mystery here--a game of some kind. Mark the swish of silken skirts; unless my eyes fail me, I caught a glimpse of silken hose as she flitted into the pantry." When an omelet had been served and the coffee poured (she poured coffee charmingly!) Hood called her back as she was about to leave them. "Two men should never be allowed to eat alone. If your mistress is not returning at once, will you not do us the honor to sit down with us?" "Thank you, sir," she said, biting her lip to conceal a smile. Deering was on his feet at once and drew out the third chair, which she accepted without debate. She composedly folded her arms on the edge of the table as though she were in nowise violating the rules set down for the guidance of waitresses. Hood, finding the situation to his taste, blithely assumed the lead in the conversation. "It is perfectly proper for you to join us at table," he remarked, "but formal introductions would not be in keeping. Still, your employer doubtless has some familiar name for you, and you might with propriety tell us what it is, so we won't need to attract your attention by employing the vulgar 'Say' or 'Listen'!" "My mistress calls me Babette," she answered, her lashes drooping becomingly. "Perfect!" cried Hood ecstatically. "And we are two outlaws whose names it is more discreet for us to withhold, even if it were proper to exchange names with a mere housemaid." Deering winced; it was indecent in Hood to treat her as though she were a housemaid when so obviously she was not. "My friend doesn't mean to be rude," he explained; "the morning air always makes him a little delirious." "I hope I know my place," the girl replied, "and I'm sure you gentlemen mean to be kind." "You needn't count the spoons after we leave," said Hood; "I assure you we have no professional designs on the house." "Thank you, sir. Of course, if you stole anything, it would be taken out of my wages." Deering's interest in her increased. She rested her chin on her hand just as his sister often did when they lingered together at table. He was a good brother and Constance was his standard. He was sure that Constance would like Pierrette's maid. He resented Hood's patronizing attitude toward the girl, but Hood's spirits were soaring and there was no checking him. "Babette," he began, "I'm going to trouble you with a question, not doubting you will understand that my motives are those of a philosopher whose whole life has been devoted to the study of the human race. May I ask you to state in all sincerity whether you consider apple sauce the essential accompaniment of roast duck?" "I do not; nor do I care for jelly with venison," she answered readily. "Admirable! You are clearly no child of convention but an independent thinker! May I smoke? Thanks!"