"Yes, I think they do," replied Mr. Pierce. "But five years in the world
before meeting would have possibly brought quite a different conclusion.
And now, my dear, if we are not going to have the young people eloping
in the yacht by themselves, we had better leave both the subject and the
room, for we have kept them fifteen minutes as it is."




CHAPTER VI.

A MONOLOGUE AND A DIALOGUE.


It was at the end of this day's yachting that Peter was having his
"unsocial walk." Early on the morrow he would be taking the train for
his native town, and the thought of this, in connection with other
thoughts, drew stern lines on his face. His conclusions were something
to this effect:

"I suspected before coming that Watts and Miss Pierce loved each other.
I was evidently wrong, for if they did they could not endure seeing so
little of each other. How could he know her and not love her? But it's
very fortunate for me, for I should stand no chance against him, even
supposing I should try to win the girl he loved. She can't care for me!
As Watts says, 'I'm an old stupid naturally, and doubly so with girls.'
Still, I can't go to-morrow without telling her. I shan't see her again
till next winter. I can't wait till then. Some one else--I can't wait."