"But don't you realize that this house is one of the most dangerous places in the world for you?" she cried in a low voice. "Why, Judge Harvey himself is expected here any minute!"
"Judge Harvey!" The equable young man gave a start. But the next moment his poise came back.
"And after what I saw only to-day in the papers about Thomas Preston—! Don't you know you are this moment standing on a volcano?"
"Yes—but what of it?" he answered cheerfully. "It's the most diverting indoor or outdoor sport I've ever indulged in—dodging eruptions. Besides, in standing on this volcano I have the advantage of also standing near you."
"Didn't I tell you I never wanted to see you again!" she flamed at him. "How dared you come here?"
"I had to come, dear." His voice was pleading, yet imperturbably pleasant. "You refused to answer the letters I wrote you begging you to meet me somewhere to talk things over. I read that Mrs. De Peyster was sailing to-night, and I knew that you were sailing with her. Surely you understand, before she went, I had to see my wife."
"I refuse to recognize myself as such!" cried Miss Gardner.
"But, my dear, you married—"
"Yes, after knowing you just two days! Oh, you can be charming and plausible, but that shows just how foolish a girl can be when she's a bit tired and lonesome, and then gets a bit of a holiday."