"And you, Poynter ?" "Unfortunately Miss Sherrill knows absolutely nothing of my whereabouts." "Sherrill days ago entrusted me with a cordial invitation for you.

He was unaware of our disagreement and expected you to accompany me.

As my official secretary, Poynter, for, let us say the month of January, it is possible for me to command your attendance at Palm Beach." "Excellency," said Philip slowly, "singular as it may seem in my present free lance state, I am greatly desirous of hearing such a command." "Poynter," boomed the Baron formally, "in January I shall be overweighted with diplomatic duties at Palm Beach.

I regret exceedingly that I am forced to command your attendance.

This frivoling about must cease." He shook suddenly with silent laughter.
"Doubtless," said he, meeting Philip's amused glance with level significance, "doubtless, Poynter, we can--" "Yes," said Philip with much satisfaction, "I think we can." They fell to chatting in lower voices as the fire died down.
"Meanwhile," shrugged the disgusted Baron a little later, "I shall abandon that accursed music-machine to its fate, and rest.