Page:Pleased to Meet You (1927).pdf/88

 "Impossible," said Herr Leutz, making for the door. "I have sixteen different deficits to analyze."

"Colonel Cointreau said, Herr President, that interests of state absolutely required that both you and Herr Leutz should dance with Frau Quackenbush this evening."

"Old Pannonian deities!" exclaimed Guadeloupe. "What human being can practise dancing immediately after lunch?" But there was a look of such certainty in Lorli's pretty face that he felt himself crumbling. He laid hold of Leutz's coattails.

"Here," he said sharply, "if I've got to go through with this, you must too."

"The Colonel said, the League would expect it," announced Lorli respectfully.

"Double damn the Colonel," complained the resentful President. "Why isn't he here himself to help me? He said that was what he came for. Now he's off somewhere with Nyla in the only decent car. Leutz, if he doesn't get back in time you'll have to meet Herr Quackenbush at the