"By mistake, Captain," her lips smiling, her eyes steady. "It seems I had overlooked a promise made during the afternoon."
"Oh, indeed," he turned toward me, staring insolently. "The hero of the rescue, I presume."
I felt the restraining pressure of her hand upon my sleeve, and her voice replied calmly, before I succeeded in finding words.
"This is the gentleman who protected me from the mob, if that be what you mean. Permit me to present Captain Grant of the Queen's Rangers, Lieutenant--pardon my having already forgotten your name."
"Fortesque," I stammered, intensely hating the necessary deception.
"Ah, yes--Lieutenant Fortesque, of the 42nd British Foot."
We bowed coldly, neither extending a hand, the Captain twisting his moustache as he continued staring at me.
"Fortesque," he repeated slowly. "Fortesque; not of this garrison, I believe."
"No, from New York," coolly. "I regret having interfered with your programme."
"Don't mention it; there are other ladies present, and, no doubt, your gallant act was worthy the reward; a pleasant evening, sir," and he drew aside, stiffly military. Eager to lose as little as possible of the measure I swung my partner forward, catching glimpse again of the man's face as we circled.
"Pleasant disposition," I ventured, without meaning to be uncivil.
"Oh, very," and her eyes met mine frankly. "But you must not quarrel with him; that is his one specialty, you know."
"Is the warning on your account, or my own?"
"Both, perhaps. Captain Grant's family and mine are neighbors--or were before war intervened--and between our fathers exists a life-long friendship. I could never consent to be the cause of his quarrelling with any one, and I have reason to know how quick tempered he is."
"I have little use for any man who swaggers about seeking trouble," I returned, as she hesitated. "It has been my experience that there is usually cowardice back of such a disposition."
"Not in this case," earnestly. "Captain Grant's courage has been sufficiently tested already. I warn you not to presume on your theory so far as he is concerned. I advise the safer course."
Her eyes met mine, smiling slightly, and yet grave enough in their depths.
"To let this one dance prove sufficient reward for your act of rescue."
