“You must take us as we are in these times,” said Strahan, with a light laugh, for he felt it would jeopardize his scheme, or hope rather, if he were too brusque with his companion.  “You see it is hard for us to understand your cosmopolitan indifference.  American feeling just now is rather tense on both sides of the line, and if you will recognize the fact you will understand us better.”

“I think I am already aware of the fact.  If Miss Vosburgh were of our sex you would soon have another recruit.”

“I’d soon have a superior officer, you mean.”

“I fancy you are rather under her thumb already.”

“It’s a difficult position to attain, I assure you.”

“How so?”

“I have observed that, towards a good many, Miss Vosburgh is quite your equal in indifference.”

“I like her all the better for that fact.”

“So do I.”

“How is it that you are so favored?”

“No doubt it seems strange to you.  Mere caprice on her part, probably.”

“You misunderstand me.  I would like to learn your tactics.”

“Jove!  I’d like to teach you.  Come down to-morrow and I’ll give you a musket.”

“You are incorrigible, Strahan.  Do you mean that her good-will can be won only at the point of the bayonet?”

“No one coached me.  Surely you have not so neglected your education abroad that you do not know how to win a lady’s favor.”

“You are a neutral, indeed.”

“I wouldn’t aid my own brother in a case of this kind.”

“You are right; in matters of this kind it is every one for himself.  You offered to show me, a stranger, some attention, you know.”

“Yes, Merwyn, and I’ll keep my word.  I will give you just as good courtesy as I receive.  The formalities have been complied with and you are acquainted with Miss Vosburgh.  You have exactly the same vantage that I had at the start, and you certainly cannot wish for more.  If you wish for further introductions, count on me.”

Merwyn parted from his plain-spoken companion, well content.  Strahan’s promise to return all the courtesy he received left a variable standard in Merwyn’s hands that he could employ according to circumstances or inclination.  He was satisfied that his neighbor, in accordance with a trait very common to young men, cherished for Miss Vosburgh a chivalric and sentimental regard at which he would smile when he became older.  Merwyn, however, had a certain sense of honor, and would not have attempted deliberately to supplant one to whom he felt that he owed loyalty.  His mind having been relieved of all scruples of this character, he looked forward complacently to the prospect of winning—­what?  He did not trouble himself to define the kind of regard he hoped to inspire.  The immediate purpose to kill time, that must intervene before he could return to England, was sufficient.  There was promise of occupation, mild excitement, and an amusing triumph, in becoming the foremost figure in Marian’s drawing-room.