“Is it, Richard?”

“And I want you to answer me.”

“That’s different.”

He rose and took several steps toward her. She stood against the railing with her hands behind her back.

“Shirley, you are the finest girl in the world, but you wouldn’t do this—”

“This what, Dick?”

“You know what I mean. I ask you again—have you or have you not seen Armitage since you came to the Springs?”

He spoke impatiently, his eyes upon hers. A wave of color swept her face, and then her anger passed and she was her usual good-natured self.

“Baron von Marhof is a charming old gentleman, isn’t he?”

“He’s a regular old brick,” declared Dick solemnly.