Mr. Dalken could hardly restrain his sudden desire to laugh, but he averted his head for a moment and covered his face with a handkerchief until he composed his risibles, then he said: "Still, I am sure I can mediate in this case, Paul. Only stay and let me inquire."
"I guess not! No one can mediate between me and a flirt! I am through, I say, and I'm going home!"
So saying Paul thrust out his hand and Mr. Dalken had to take it. "Good-by, and say good-by to the others for me. This much I want you to do, as I will not see them again!"
Mr. Dalken went to the door with his excited guest and saw him go down on the elevator, then he rushed madly back to the telephone and ordered the man to detain the departing guest. Back to the den where he had seen Eleanor standing with Jack, was his next act, and dragging both out of the apartment and along the hall to the elevator, he pushed the button furiously.
While the wondering attendant was coming up, Mr. Dalken said: "What in the name of conscience did you two crazy creatures do or say to Paul Stewart, to drive him frantic?"
Jack stared in ignorance of what his guardian meant, but Eleanor gazed as if she thought Mr. Dalken had suddenly gone mad. The elevator stopped at their floor, and the man opened the gate. Mr. Dalken pulled his two companions on, and the man started down again.
All this time, Eleanor was speechless with doubt of Mr. Dalken's sanity but the elevator man turned to him and said: "The young man I just took down, refused to remain. He said he would arrest anyone who tried to detain him against his will."
Mr. Dalken ran his hands through his hair and rolled his eyes upward. Turning to Eleanor he hissed: "What _did_ you say to Paul to make him act like a man in torment?"
"Paul! Are you crazy, Mr. Dalken?" asked Eleanor, fearfully.
"No, but _you_ must be to throw over such a sweetheart. You'll wait a long time before you get another like him, even though I do like Jack immensely, and will further his case when he meets the right girl. I'm sure you are not the right one, and you ought to know it, from what you told me yourself, yesterday. Can't you see that Jack thinks he loves Polly, just because she won't have him?"
"Of course I understand!" retorted Eleanor, but annoyed that her plot to bring Polly and Tom together again was exposed.