"Well, there's, a lot of good talking-places down on the lawn," he suggested.
She nodded grimly.
"Come along," he said cheerfully. And the creature offered her his arm. She affected not to notice the insult.
"Better take my arm—ma'am. It's customary."
She walked beside him, but did not touch him.
"We'll look more like a regular couple if you do, ma'am."
Still she paid no heed to his advice. He halted at the top of the steps.
"If you don't take my arm," he announced, "I'll grab you and shoot you right back into that dance, ma'am."
Trembling with anger, she took it.
He led her down the veranda-steps and out among the lantern-lit trees. They walked slowly and in silence for a minute, until Rosalind felt she was safe from possible observers at the hotel.