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She watched hiplank onto the ship, and without hesitation ju to Gunther that she would be right back She dashed across the avenue, running headlong into a sailor in her mad rush

“Excusesailor steadied her and then immediately, shyly, dropped his hands

“Sailor … please, just a moment,” Sassy said breathlessly “That man, the one with the turban and robe?”

“Whot? You mean Abdul?” the sailor asked in surprise

“Yes, I suppose that I do mean Abdul Does he sail with your ship?”

“Aye, he does Queer one though—better give hi sailor

“Yoursmile

He was not im oi ’ave ever clapped eyes on, and that one, well, has a hard ith the ladies Oi’ve seen hiue “Acts loike he be a blooht but a servant His h”

“Thank you,” Sassy said and turned to cross back to the carriage

Gunther stood looking at her with great disapproval “Miss, if you don’twith the likes of that sort”

“Don’t worry, Gunther Now I suppose we must hurry back to school for the afternoon lessons”

The marquis, his beaver top hat tilted low on his head, his cane swinging froloved hand, had witnessed Miss Winthrop’s mad run across the avenue and her subsequent conversation with the young sailor

He was both astonished and irritated What rong with her, chatting up that young sailor? The lad had not been able to take his eyes off her Damn, didn’t she knohat effect she had on men?

After e wooden crates, he was able to hear bits and pieces of their conversation So about the man with the turban Why the deuce was she interested in that blackguard, and as she involving herself in things better left to men?