I will not have it discussed here."

"As you please, John," said his sister, drawing herself up. "It's your
house and you are master here. I'm sure I don't want to discuss them.
Nothing was farther from my thoughts. You understand what your father
says, Kate?"

"Perfectly," said Miss Nugent. "When the desire to talk about the Hardys
becomes irresistible we must go for a walk."

The captain turned in his chair and regarded his daughter steadily. She
met his gaze with calm affection.

"I wish you were a boy," he growled.

"You're the only man in Sunwich who wishes that," said Miss Nugent,
complacently, "and I don't believe you mean it. If you'll come a little
closer I'll put my head on your shoulder and convert you."

"Kate!" said Mrs. Kingdom, reprovingly.

"And, talking about heads," said Miss Nugent, briskly, "reminds me that I
want a new hat. You needn't look like that; good-looking daughters
always come expensive."

She moved her chair a couple of inches in his direction and smiled
alluringly. The captain shifted uneasily; prudence counselled flight,
but dignity forbade it. He stared hard at Mrs. Kingdom, and a smile of
rare appreciation on that lady's face endeavoured to fade slowly and
naturally into another expression. The chair came nearer.