what she said sounded like an inquiry about some more or less frequent
indisposition, though Mr. Van Torp looked as strong as a ploughman.

In answer to the question he glanced sharply at Miss More, and shook
his head.

'I've been too busy to come on deck,' he said, rather curtly, and he
turned to Margaret again.

'Will you take a little walk with me, Madame Cordova?' he asked.

Not having any valid excuse for refusing, Margaret smiled, for the
first time since she had seen him on deck.

'I'm so comfortable!' she answered. 'Don't make me get out of my rug!'

'If you'll take a little walk with me, I'll give you a pretty
present,' said Mr. Van Torp playfully.

Margaret thought it best to laugh and shake her head at this singular
offer. Little Ida had been watching them both.

'You'd better go with him,' said the child gravely. 'He makes lovely
presents.'

'Does he?' Margaret laughed again.

'"A fortress that parleys, or a woman who listens, is lost,'" put in
Griggs, quoting an old French proverb.