CHAPTER V
In one of the private sitting-rooms of the hotel, Miss Grainger was lolling back in a comfortable wicker chair reading a newspaper.
The door opening made her look round.
A slim, boyish figure entered the room, clad in a well-cut white riding suit, the neatest of brown boots and leggings, and a white felt hat pulled well on to a mop of curls.
"You're late starting this morning, Pansy."
"I am. But—last night I saved a man's life."
"Saved a man's life! Really, my dear, what a way you have of springing surprises on one."
Teasingly Pansy glanced at her old governess.
"Miss Grainger, I must remind you that 'springing surprises' is slang."
Miss Grainger ignored the reprimand.
"But what man did you save, and how did you save him?" she asked in a slightly bewildered manner.
"I forgot to ask his name. I fished him out of the sea. He had cramps."
"But he might have dragged you under!" her companion said in a horrified voice. "I should have thought that last experience of yours with that awful horse would have taught you not to go diving headlong into danger."
"'The Sultan' isn't awful. You know it was all a mistake on his part. Besides, nothing will keep me from 'diving headlong into danger,' as you call it, when I see things being hurt. It's all part of my silly, impetuous nature."
"Well, I hope the man was grateful."
"He never even thanked me."
Such gross ingratitude left Miss Grainger aghast.
"My dear!" she exclaimed.
"He thought I was a boy, and when he found I was a girl he was too astonished to remember his manners," Pansy explained. "But don't say anything about it to anybody. You know I hate a fuss."
"What was he like?"
"Big and dark and awfully good-looking, with an arrogant, high-handed manner. He badly needed taking down a peg or two."
"Quite different from Captain Cameron," Miss Grainger suggested.
"Oh, quite. Bob's a kid beside him."
There was a brief pause.
Miss Grainger glanced at the girl.
"Do you know, Pansy, I'm sorry for Captain Cameron."
"So am I," the girl replied, a touch of distress in her voice. "But my sorrow refuses to blossom into love."
"He's a very good sort."
"I know; but then I'm not given to falling in love."
"Some day you'll find yourself in love before you know it."
Pansy smiled at her old governess in a merry, whole-hearted fashion.
"What a persistent bird of ill-omen you are!" she said.
Then she glanced at the clock.
"Now I'm off. I shan't be back for lunch. So-long," she finished.
She went, leaving Miss Grainger with the feeling of a fresh, sweet breeze having been wafted through the room.