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 After escorting the child and her governess to the car, Paul made his way back into the house and up the stairs to the dining-room. His first thought was of Wintergreen. He must appease her after his long absence. Sighting her table, a new miracle met his eye: Wintergreen with a cocktail before her and with Gunnar's right arm around her shoulders. They chose this precise moment to kiss.

I'll be damned! cried Paul.

The pair looked up. An expression of annoyance crossed the girl's countenance.

You leave us alone! she growled.

Ignoring her protestation, Paul cried, Gunnar, I'm delighted to find you again!

Who're you? O'Grady shot out thickly. O, Moody. Well, get out!

Paul, puzzled, persisted. Why, Gunnar, what's the matter?

You heard him, Wintergreen affirmed grimly.

Paul could not resist this opening. I thought, he commented, that you were a nice girl!

Dare call her anything else?

Turning to Gunnar, Wintergreen presented him first with her admiring glance, then with her lips.

Well, I'll be damned! Paul ejaculated once more. Was there, reasonably, any alternative comment?

Let's get out of this! Gunnar urged. Let's get a private room. Waiter, he called, we want a room upstairs where we won't be interrupted.