Page:Mistress Madcap (1937).pdf/183

 "La!" she went on carelessly, "will you make out the pass for my cousins or must I really treat ye as ye deserve?"

"Nay," protested the provost marshal eagerly, "do not be unkind to me! I swear I merit not such inhuman treatment! Give me but another chance and I will make amends."

A barely perceptible glance passed between the lady and Lieutenant Freeman which Captain Cunningham, busily writing the release and passports for Mehitable and Charity did not see. But she had her most coquettish smile ready for him when he rose and handed her the papers.

"And when do we meet again?" he asked imploringly.

"La, how can I tell?" the lady answered carelessly. "Perhaps to-night at Lord Howe's rout."

Turning, she motioned to Lieutenant Freeman, who at once offered his arm.

"Come, cousin, I am aweary of this dark place." She glanced back over her shoulder at the captain, who was gazing after her rather mournfully. "I should think you would feel like a great potato in the cold, dark ground in here, Captain. Ugh, 'tis a terrible hole!"

She shivered. Suddenly she seemed to remember Mehitable and Charity, who had remained passive onlookers. She stopped and glanced inquiringly at Captain Cunningham.

"They are to come with me?" she asked, though indifferently, as if, now that she had accomplished her object, she was uninterested in the result. Perhaps an