There was no use trying to assure her that we probably should take some interest in the course of subsequent events. Our engagement settled itself down as a conspiracy to prevent her from going to Palm Beach; moreover, it was a deliberately chosen scheme to add to her cares and responsibilities at a time when her nerves were on the edge of a general breakdown. By some mysterious tactful process Helen persuaded her mother to take another rest, and we were left alone.
I drew my chair up beside her. "Poor Ted," she smiled; "you've had quite a trying day."
"Did I put my foot in it anywhere?" I asked.
She laughed: "Not once, unless you consider an engagement to me, now you know the family, putting your foot in it."
"Why did Ludwig von Oberhausen send you flowers?"
"Ah, I knew you'd ask that at the first opportunity. Why do you suppose he did?" she teased.
"Because you are the most beautiful girl in the world."
"Stuff, Ted, that wasn't the reason; besides, only you could believe that. It was because he thought I had money; I was number three on his list. Oh, he was methodical about it, Ted, beginning with a formal call on mother on her day at home. Every Saturday night at six a dozen American beauties arrived, until you galloped over the horizon that day on Satan."
This was comforting. "Did you care for him?"
"No, you jealous pig."