"I'll do my best, miss," he said; and got up and limped, very well indeed
for a first attempt, round the room.

Then Miss Nugent did a thing which was a puzzle to herself for some time
afterwards. Having won the victory she deliberately threw away the
fruits of it, and declining to allow the steward to run any risks,
accepted Hardy's escort home. Mr. Wilks watched them from the door, and
with his head in a whirl caused by the night's proceedings mixed himself
a stiff glass of grog to set it right, and drank to the health of both of
them.

[Illustration: "Mr. Wilks drank to the health of both of them."]

The wind had abated somewhat in violence as they walked home, and,
moreover, they had their backs to it. The walk was slower and more
enjoyable in many respects than the walk out. In an unusually soft mood
she replied to his remarks and stole little critical glances up at him.
When they reached the house she stood a little while at the gate gazing
at the starry sky and listening to the crash of the sea on the beach.

"It is a fine night," she said, as she shook hands.

"The best I have ever known," said Hardy. "Good-bye."




CHAPTER XVII

The weeks passed all too quickly for James Hardy. He saw Kate Nugent at