You will not pretend
to assume that this is not a clandestine excursion."
"It's a jolly little adventure," was all that Robin could say, in his
youthfulness.
The Baron was thoughtful. "There is something behind this
extraordinary behaviour on the part of a lady generally accredited
with sense and refinement," said he after a moment. "I think I have
it, too. She is deliberately putting you to a rather severe test."
"Test? What do you mean?"
"She is trying you out, sir. Miss Guile,--or possibly Miss Blithers,
--is taking a genuine risk in order to determine whether you are a
real gentleman or only a make-believe. She is taking a chance with
you. You may call it a jolly little adventure, but I call it the acid
test. Young women of good breeding and refinement do not plan such
adventures with casual, ship-board acquaintances. She intends to find
out _what_, not _who_, you are. I must say she's exceedingly clever
and courageous."
Robin laughed. "Thank you, Baron. Forewarned is forearmed. I shall
remain a gentleman at any cost.
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