An hour later, in a soft frilly négligé, she joined him on the tiny veranda, where he sat smoking. He rose and bowed formally.
"How did you leave New York, Madam? I'd no idea we had guests."
"I'm only stopping over night," she retorted. "Are you alone in this wilderness?"
"No, I have a boy with me named Bob—a most engaging companion. He is away this evening.... How were the laundry tubs?"
She chuckled.
"I had to do battle for mine. A man was just going into my bathroom when I appeared. I claimed it, I presented my check as proof; he said I had forfeited my chance by being late."
"He was from New England, on the contrary!"
"What did you do?"
"I bowed low and quoted Sir Philip Sydney: 'Sir,' said I, 'thy need is greater than mine.'"