“I know.  Ordinarily I’d have taken him by the collar and hustled him into the road.  And if it had been one of those young bachelors who are coming down to-night, I’d have done it.  I like Thomas; and I don’t think he kissed you either to affront or to insult you.”

“Indeed!”—­icily.

“I dare say I stole a kiss or two in my day.”

“Does mother know it?”

“Back in the old country, when I was a lad.  It’s a normal impulse.  There isn’t a young man alive who can look upon a pretty girl’s face without wishing to kiss it.  I don’t believe Thomas will repeat the offense.  The trouble, girl, is this—­you’ve been living in a false atmosphere, where people hide all their generous impulses because to be natural is not fashionable.”

“I marvel at you more and more.  Is it generous, then, to kiss a girl without so much as by your leave?  If he had been sorry, if he had apologized, I might overlook the deed.  But he kissed me and walked away.  Do you realize what such an action means to any young woman with pride?  Very well, if he apologizes he may stay; but no longer on the basis of friendship.  It must be purely business.  When my guests arrive I shall not consider it necessary to ask him to join any of our amusements.”

“Poor devil!  He’ll have to pay for that kiss.”

“Next, I suppose you’ll be wanting me to marry him!” Kitty volleyed.  But she wasn’t half so angry as she pretended.

“What?  Thomas?”

“Ah, that’s different, isn’t it?  There, there; I’ve promised to overlook the offense on condition that he apologize and keep his place.  I have always said that you’d rather have a man about than me.”

“Well, perhaps I could understand a man better.”

“Go down to breakfast.  I hear mother moving about.  I’ll ring for what I need.  I must bathe and dress.  Some of the people will motor in for lunch.”

Killigrew, subdued and mystified, went in search of Thomas and discovered him in almost the exact spot he had left him; for Thomas, having breakfasted, had returned to the living-room to await the motor.

“Thomas, when Kitty comes down, apologize.  And remember this, that you can’t kiss a pretty girl just because you happen to want to.”

“But, Mr. Killigrew, I didn’t want to!” said Thomas.

“Well, I’ll be tinker-dammed!”

“I mean . . .  Really, sir, it is better that I should return at once to the city.  I’m a rotter.”

“Don’t be a fool!  Take your grips back to your room, and don’t let’s have any more nonsense.  Finish up that report from Brazil; and if you handle it right, I’ll take you into the office where you’ll be away from the women folks.”

Thomas’ heart went down in despair.

“Mrs. Killigrew can find another secretary for the bureau.  I shan’t say a word to her, and I’ll see that Kitty doesn’t.  You’ve had your breakfast.  Go and finish up that report.  Williams,” Killigrew called to the second man, “take Mr. Webb’s grips up to his rooms.  I’ll see you later, Thomas,” and Killigrew made off for the breakfast-room, where he chuckled at odd times, much to his wife’s curiosity.  But he shook his head when she quizzed him.