Count Szalaki looked at his host in a puzzled way, and Mr. Strong smiled benignantly.
“I think I told you on the steamer, count,” remarked Mr. Strong, “that you would find it easier to understand our political institutions than our American girl, did I not?”
Count Szalaki looked at Kate, an expression of admiration in his eyes that savored not at all of boldness. “I think,” he said, “that I shall take your politics for granted and attempt the solution of the greater puzzle.”
“Take my advice and don’t do it, Count Szalaki,” cried Ned. “Our politics are laughable, but our American girl is—is——”
“Is what, Ned?” asked Kate, with mock cordiality.
“Is dangerous,” answered her brother. “You see, count, you come here several years too late. When I was young,” he continued, smilingly, “that is, about two years ago, we were not under the depressing influence of the New Woman. But now it is different. The New Woman——”
Count Szalaki’s mobile face bore an expression of bewilderment.
“Pardon me,” he exclaimed. “I am what you call—puzzled. I have not heard that expression heretofore. What do you mean by the New Woman?”
“Don’t speak, Ned,” cried Kate, imploringly. “Let me tell Count Szalaki what the New Woman is.”