At last Robin faced him, but without speaking. An instant later he
impulsively withdrew the letter from his pocket and held it out to
the Baron, who strode across the room and took it from his hand.
Without a word, he extracted the single sheet of paper and read what
was written thereon.
"I gather from the nature of the invitation that you are expected to
enjoy stolen fruit, if I may be so bold as to put it in just that
way," said he grimly. "Apparently Miss Guile finds the presence of a
duenna unnecessarily wise."
"There's no harm in a quiet little excursion such as she suggests,
Baron," said Robin, defensively.
"You forget that I have seen the beautiful Miss Guile," said Gourou
drily. "I take it, then, that you approve of the young lady's
scheme."
"Scheme sounds rather sinister, doesn't it?"
"Trick, if it please you more than the other. Moreover, I cannot say
that she _suggests_ the quiet little excursion. It occurs to me
that she commands, your highness." He held the missive to the light
and read, a tender irony in his voice: "'My motor will call for you
at three this afternoon, and we will run out to St.
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