Claiborne nodded and threw away his cigar that he might give his whole attention to what Armitage might have to say.
"A man does not like to have his sister forming the acquaintances of persons who are not properly vouched for.

Except for Singleton you know nothing of me; and Singleton knows very little of me, indeed." Claiborne nodded.

He felt the color creeping into his cheeks consciously as Armitage touched upon this matter.
"I speak to you as I do because it is your right to know who and what I am, for I am not on the _King Edward_ by accident but by intention, and I am going to Washington because your sister lives there." Claiborne smiled in spite of himself.
"But, my dear sir, this is most extraordinary! I don't know that I care to hear any more; by listening I seem to be encouraging you to follow us--it's altogether too unusual.

It's almost preposterous!" And Dick Claiborne frowned severely; but Armitage still met his eyes gravely.
"It's only decent for a man to give his references when it's natural for them to be required.

I was educated at Trinity College, Toronto.