Page:C Q, or, In the Wireless House (Train, 1912).djvu/275

 “Ex-cuse me!” he thundered with elaborate sarcasm. “I did not know I was interrupting a—meeting!”

Lily sprang to her feet, her eyes flashing. “Captain Ponsonby! What do you mean! You have no right to insult me in this way, a passenger on your ship!”

“Passengers are not allowed in the wireless house—at this hour!” he retorted. Then he added with heavy politeness, “May I offer you an escort to your cabin?”

Mrs. Trevelyan stood before him speechless with fury. Her lace shawl had fallen upon the floor and her yellow hair had been slightly disarranged. For the first time Micky saw that she had on evening dress, and that her neck which was quite bare, had blushed as red as her cheeks.

“I—I ’ll assist Mrs. Trevelyan,” interrupted Micky.

“Oh—you will!” roared Captain Ponsonby. “Then assist her at once!”

He leaned over and turned on the electric lights. Micky stooped and picked up the filmy lace shawl and handed it to Mrs. Trevelyan. Then he offered her his arm and led her