Whether he would have felt the
same if Edith's husband were not to be one of the party was a
question that did not occur to him. At all events, the emotion
soon passed, and he rose the next morning feeling that an outing
with the Cortlandts would be as pleasant a diversion for the day
as any other.
Promptly at eight Edith appeared upon the hotel porch. She was
alone.
"Where's Mr. Cortlandt?" he inquired.
"Oh, some men arrived last night from Bocas del Toro and
telephoned that they must see him to-day on a matter of
importance."
"Then he's coming later?"
"I hardly think so. I was terribly disappointed, so he told me to
go without him. Now, I shall have to make up to you for his
absence, if I am able."
"That's the sort of speech," Kirk laughed, "that doesn't leave a
fellow any nice answer. I'm sorry he couldn't come, of course, and
awfully glad you did. Now, where is to be the scene of our revel?"
"Taboga," she said, with eyes sparkling. "You've never been there,
but it's perfectly gorgeous. Please call a coach, our boat is
waiting--and don't sit on the lunch."
Kirk obeyed, and they went clattering down the deserted brick
street. Edith leaned back with a sigh.
"I'm so glad to get away from that hotel for a day.
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