Page:Mistress Madcap Surrenders (1926).pdf/36



OME, come!" went on the young man lightly. "Pay the forfeit! My arm be tired o' encircling your waist!"

"Then," said a new voice grimly, as the door beside them opened and closed so swiftly that only the faintest draught of air swept past, "then I advise ye to keep your arm where it belongs!" And the dandy was forthwith torn from his nonchalant position beside Mehitable and sent spinning across the room.

"Now," continued the newcomer, when the reeling youth had brought up against the card table and the players had started to their feet, "an I mistake not, there be a lesson in politeness to be taught here! I saw you, sir, through the window as I approached the door! You were annoying this maid, and your manners"—his tone grew icy—"your manners, I repeat, sir, need to be whipped into shape!"

But here the newcomer was interrupted by a wild cry of "John!" and the next instant Mehita-