He could only quietly await her explanation of this strange situation.

The delay was not a long one.

She laughed, nervously perhaps, yet with a sense of humour at the awkward position.
"Quite melodramatic, is it not, Captain West ?" she asked, in a decidedly pleasant voice.

"I trust it appeals thoroughly to that disposition for adventure of which you wrote.

I assure you I have arranged the details to the best of my ability." "Nothing more could be desired, I am sure," he confessed, surprised at her tone, and glancing toward her.