“If my friend here has insulted you,” he said quietly, “it is but right that you should demand an accounting. We shall be here all evening. If you will send a friend to me, we shall arrange the details.”
The German bowed and Lord Hastings, Frank and Jack did likewise. Then turning on his heel, Lieutenant Holzen walked away.
Frank kept an eye on him and saw that the young German spent most of his time gazing at Marie. Looking in her direction, he was surprised to see the girl return the young officer’s smile. She nodded to him.
Frank mentioned the matter to Lord Hastings, and added:
“I don’t like it.”
“Ho! Ho!” laughed Jack. “So you are getting jealous, eh?”
Frank flushed.
“You know better than that,” he replied sharply. “I just don’t like it; that’s all.”
Suddenly, in response to a smile from Marie, Lieutenant Holzen arose and approached her. The music was about to commence and Frank realized what was going to happen. For some reason he could not explain to himself he felt decidedly uncomfortable and shifted uneasily in his seat.
Jack noticed this and was about to make a remark greatly to his chum’s discomfort, when Lord Hastings stayed him with a gesture.