The general looked a bit startled. Henrietta laughed. She had always wanted to meet a man in the making.
"I hope that if you have no other engagement, you will dine with us," said she.
"Certainly," cried the general. "Have you a previous appointment?"
"With myself," said the Watermelon. "To dine."
"You will dine with us," declared the general, and that settled it. "Get into my car. Alphonse will steer yours."
The Watermelon made one last protest against highway robbery in broad daylight, but the general waved him to silence and the Watermelon decided that if they wished to make off with the stranger's car it was no fault of his. He had done his best to stop it. He climbed into the general's car, the general cranked up and they were off, Alphonse and the Thomas car trailing along behind.
CHAPTER IV
AND WHEN I DINE
Henrietta turned sidewise that she might the better converse with her guest.
"I noticed by the papers that you always make it a point to spend Sundays in the country somewhere near New York, so that you can return quickly in your car. I suppose that you really need the rest and quiet for your week's work."