"You can ride a horse all right," said John, in the way of argument.
"I can do that easily with my knees. But I can't dance with my knees. No, I shall stay at home. I couldn't stand it to see all those famous beauties, and with me posing as a wall-flower."
"But what will you do here all alone?"
"Play with the kid, smoke and read; make myself at home. You still smoke that Louisiana, Jack?"
"Yes,"—dubiously.
"So. Now, don't let me interfere with your plans for tonight. I haven't been in a home in so long that it will take more than one night for the novelty to wear off. Besides, that nurse of yours, Kit, is good to look at,"—a bit of the rogue in his eye.
"Bob!"—from both women.
"I promise not to look at her; I promise."
"Well, I must be off," said John. "I'm late now. I've a dozen plans for coast defenses to go over with an inventor of a new carriage-gun. Will you go with me, while I put you up at the Metropolitan, or will you take a shopping trip with the women?"
"I'll take the shopping trip. It will be a sensation. Have you any horses?"