There was the slightest possible shade of annoyance on the girl's face
as the sailor walked beside her from the door of the manager's room,
through the public portion of the bank to the exit, and the young man
noticing this, became momentarily tongue-tied, but nevertheless
persisted, with a certain awkward doggedness which was not going to
allow so slight a hint that his further attendance was unnecessary, to
baffle him. He did not speak until they had passed down the stone
steps to the pavement, and then his utterance began with a
half-embarrassed stammer, as if the shadow of displeasure demanded
justification on his part.
"You-- you see, Miss Amhurst, we have been properly introduced."
For the first time he heard the girl laugh, just a little, and the
sound was very musical to him.
"The introduction was of the slightest," she said. "I cannot claim
even an acquaintance with Mr. Morton, although I did so in the
presence of his persistent subordinate. I have met the manager of the
bank but once before, and that for a few moments only, when he showed
me where to sign my name in a big book."
"Nevertheless," urged Drummond, "I shall defend the validity of that
introduction against all comers. The head of a bank is a most
important man in every country, and his commendation is really very
much sought after."
"You appear to possess it. He complimented your singing, you know,"
and there was a roguish twinkle in the girl's eye as she glanced up
sideways at him, while a smile came to her lips as she saw the color
again mount to his cheeks.
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