After a few conventional words, the Captain, who had tact as well as good looks, said that since Ben was there he would ask Mrs. Bourne to release him from his engagement to lunch with her; nor would he take any refusal.
For this Ben was very grateful to him, and it set him high in her estimation.
"But I want you to know my sister," said Merrill.
"And I want to know her," he said; "but to-day, I am sure, you have much to talk about. I'll order the car and drive you home."
It was while Merrill was in the club-house that Ben had an opportunity of speaking to the Captain.
"That was very thoughtful of you," she said; and she told him the nature of her errand.
"Good God!" he exclaimed, but in accents, she fancied, more of surprise, or even relief, than of sorrow. "Good God! I think," he added, after a moment, "I'll send my shover with you. Perhaps you will be so kind as to make my apologies to your sister," and he walked away.
"Is Captain Andrews married?" Ben asked, as they whirled along.
"No," said Merrill.