"Again I thank you, sir," Preston acknowledged gravely. He glanced quickly at the girl beside him and caught the sparkle of appreciation in her eye. "But, Mr. Close-Stuart," he went on recklessly, "your wife is travelling with you, is she not, in the same cabin?"
The Englishman pondered, taken aback for a moment.
"And if she is, sir?"
"Oh, just let me recall that the object of our agreement was to avoid inconveniencing the ladies. Therefore, it might be better for you to have the pool paid you at once and take it about so that Mr. Manling can carry out his part of his compact this afternoon, possibly, and not embarrass Mrs. Close-Stuart to-night."
"My word!" The Englishman exclaimed his admiration. He looked over the young American intently. "I say, you mean to take it from me awake?"
"Mr. Manling probably can and will!" Preston rejoined.
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