That's the correct way to do
things, not to stand here scolding on the deck, with everybody listening.
Now, if you will quietly discuss the matter with John here, I'm sure
everything will be all right.'
'You don't know what you are talking about,' replied the young lady. 'Do
you know that I had an important despatch to send to the _Argus_, and
that this man's friend, doubtless at his instigation, came into my room
and practically held me prisoner there until the boat had left, so that I
could not send the despatch? Think of the cheek and villainy of that, and
then speak to me of talking wildly!'
An expression of amazement upon Kenyon's face convinced the newspaper
woman, more than all his protestations would have done, that he knew
nothing whatever of the escapade.
'And who kept you from coming out?' asked Fleming.
'It is none of your business,' she replied tartly.
'If you will believe me,' said Kenyon at last, 'I had absolutely no
knowledge of all this; so, you see, there is no use speaking to me about
it. I won't pretend I am sorry, because I am not.'
This added fuel to the flames, and she was about to blaze out again, when
Kenyon, turning on his heel, left her and Fleming standing facing each
other. Then the young woman herself turned and quickly departed, leaving
the bewildered politician entirely alone, so that there was nothing for
him to do but to go into the smoking-room and ask somebody else to drink
with him, which he promptly did.
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