The stranger was all smiles and civility. He displayed an excellent set of teeth as, with a decidedly foreign bow and flourish of his hat, he offered a plausible explanation.
"I ask your pardon, Madam! I am an American—a journalist. I have been sent by my newspaper to England to write an article upon Girls' Schools. I have heard of yours, and wish to include it in my report, with a photo of its pupils. I crave your permission to take a snapshot of the game."
Miss Paget stared at him with suspicion. She was a good judge of character, and had studied types of nationality; moreover, she had herself spent six months in the United States. The man's physiognomy and accent were anything but American. She would set them down as decidedly Teutonic.
"Certainly not!" she replied. "Miss Kingsley would not dream of permitting it."
"But I have permission from Miss Kingsley!" he fawned. "I am to send her photos."
"Miss Kingsley did not mention the matter to me, and unless I have her express directions I cannot allow it. Will you kindly remove your camera?"
"Just one little snapshot!" he begged insinuatingly.
"You've interrupted our game. Will you please go? And I must remind you that this is a military area, and that, unless you have a signed permit for photography, you are liable to be arrested."
"Oh, that is all right! I have the credentials of my newspaper, as well as the assent of Miss Kingsley."
Miss Paget's temper, which had been rapidly rising, now fizzed over.