“At your service.”

“Are you acquainted with the people who reside at a cottage—­” and he described Marian’s abode.

“Yes.”

“Who are they?”

“Mr. Vosburgh has rented the place as a summer residence for his family.  His wife and daughter are there usually, and he comes when he can.

“And the daughter’s name?”

“Miss Marian Vosburgh.”

“Will you introduce me to her?”

“Certainly.”

“I sha’n’t be poaching on your grounds, shall I?”

“Miss Vosburgh honors me with her friendship,—­nothing more.”

“Is it so great an honor?”

“I esteem it as such.”

“Who are they, anyway?”

“Well, as a family I regard them as my equals, and Miss Marian as my superior.”

“Oh come, Strahan, gossip about them a little.”

The officer burst out laughing.  “Well,” he said, “for a man of your phenomenal reticence you are asking a good many questions.”

Merwyn colored slightly and blundered:  “You know my motive, Strahan; one does not care to make acquaintances that are not quite—­” and then the expression of his host’s eyes checked him.

“I assure you the Vosburghs are ‘quite,’” Strahan said, coldly.  “Did I not say they were my equals?  You may esteem yourself fortunate if Miss Vosburgh ever permits you to feel yourself to be her equal.”

“Why, how so?” a little irritably.

“Because if a man has brains and discernment the more he sees of her the more will he be inclined to doubt his equality.”

Merwyn smiled in a rather superior way, and, with a light laugh, said:  “I understand, Strahan.  A man in your plight ought to feel in that way; at least, it is natural that he should.  Now see here, old fellow, I’ll keep aloof if you say so.”

“Why should you?  You have seen few society queens abroad who received so much and so varied homage as Miss Vosburgh.  There are half a dozen fellows there, more or less, every evening, and you can take your chances among them.”

“Oh, she’s a bit of a coquette, then?”

“You must discover for yourself what she is,” said the young man, buckling on his sword.  “She has my entire respect.”

“You quite pique my curiosity.  I’ll drive in for you this evening.”

At the hour appointed, Strahan, in civilian’s dress, stepped into Merwyn’s carriage and was driven rapidly to the cottage.  Throwing the reins to a footman, the young fellow followed the officer with a confidence not altogether well founded, as he soon learned.  Many guests were present, and Lane was among them.  When Merwyn was presented Marian was observed to bow merely and not give her hand, as was her custom when a friend of hers introduced a friend.  Some of the residents in the vicinity exchanged significant smiles when they saw that the fastidious and exclusive Willard Merwyn had joined their circle.  Mrs. Vosburgh, who was helping to entertain the guests, recognized nothing in his presence beyond a new social triumph for her daughter, and was very gracious.  To her offices, as hostess, he found himself chiefly relegated for a time.