There was a short pause, and then he went on, “It sometimes strikes me that if it weren’t your uncle it would be something else.” “James,” said Nellie seriously, “I give you my word that if there were anybody who could take my place at home, I would marry you in August.” Emmons nodded. “Well, I can’t ask more than that,” he answered, and added, with a smile, “though it is a perfectly safe offer, for I suppose no one can take your place.” “No one,” said Nellie, with the conviction of a person who does not intend to look. The box door opened, and a man half entered, and paused as he saw how prearranged was the tête-à-tête on which he was intruding. But Nellie welcomed him in. “Don’t be frightened away, Mr. Merriam,” she said, smiling. “Mr. Emmons and I aren’t talking secrets. We weren’t even quarreling--at least _I_ wasn’t. But the lights in front hurt my eyes. Don’t you think at my age I can do as I like?” Mr. Merriam was eminently of that opinion--especially as a moment later Emmons rose to go. “Good-night.” Nellie held out her hand. “Don’t forget that you are dining with us on the 22d.” “I shan’t forget,” Emmons answered. “I’ve written it down.” “I shouldn’t have to write it down,” said Merriam. “Ah, you are not such a busy man as he is,” she returned, but she could not help smiling. It was so like James to tell her he had written it down. Chapter II There is nothing so radiant, so blue and green (unless it be a peacock), nothing so freshly washed and shining, as an early morning in the tropics. A new President having decided to add cavalry to the army, the recruits were being drilled on a flat furrowed savannah outside the city limits. Behind them a line of hills, rugged in outline but softened by heavy vegetation, were hidden by the mist that was rolling away over the Atlantic; and all about them, at the edge of the meadow, were tall flat-topped trees, under which were dotted little pink and blue houses, like toys. The soldiers wore blue cotton uniforms, and many of them were barefooted. Their horses were diminutive, but sure-footed and nimble, not ill built forward of the saddle, but pitifully weak behind. The instructor was very differently mounted. He rode a round strong bay mare, which, in contrast to the pony-like creatures about her, looked a hand higher than her actual height. Her rider sat still watching his pupils. Little of his face was visible under the brim of his broad Panama hat except a brown chin and a pair of long blond mustaches. Now and then he shouted to the men in excellent Spanish; and once or twice swore with the tolerant, unmistakable drawl of the Yankee. On the whole, however, one would have said after watching him for some minutes that his temper seemed fairly unruffled in a climate which tries men’s tempers, and in an occupation which induces irritation.