"I couldn't even think of that," replied Benson. "It is business to go with one's employer."
"Business?" repeated Mlle. Nadiboff, with an accent half of disdain. "Surely, you are not sufficiently a petty shop-keeper or serf to think always of that word, 'business!'"
"I fear I am," Jack nodded.
"Bah! Then you will never be a success with the ladies," taunted
Mlle. Nadiboff, though her eyes were laughing, challenging.
"Of course, I'm only a green country boy," Jack replied, with admirable coolness, and without any tone of offence. "So my highest ambition is to be a success in the submarine business."
The young woman had tact enough to perceive that she had not quite scored by her contempt for business. She was about to change subject adroitly, when Mr. Farnum called, laughingly:
"Are you coming with us, captain? Or, have you found pleasanter company for a drive?"
Jack's hand started toward his uniform cap. He was about to excuse himself, when the young woman answered for him:
"He was just assuring me, Mr. Farnum, that he would gladly go with me, but that you had the right of prior engagement."
"Oh, I'll release, him," volunteered Mr. Farnum, his eyes twinkling.