have always been so awfully strict and particular."

Elsie, to whom the slang term was new, looked at the speaker with a
slightly puzzled expression; but Edward, who fully understood it, drew
himself up with offended dignity.

"Permit me to remark, Mr. Ross, that so disrespectful an allusion to my
honored grandfather can never be other than extremely offensive to me, and
to all his children and grandchildren."

"Beg your pardon, Nod, and yours, Miss Elsie" (he would have liked to
drop the Miss, but something in her manner prevented him), "I call my own
father the governor--behind his back you know--and meant no offence in
applying the term to Mr. Dinsmore."

His apology was accepted, and the talk turned upon the various objects of
interest within sight as they passed through the harbor.

When there was little more to see but sky and water, Elsie retired to her
state-room, where she stayed until evening. Then Edward came for her, and
they passed an hour very enjoyably in promenading the deck or sitting side
by side, looking out upon the moonlit waters.

"I wish we hadn't happened upon Phil Ross," Edward remarked in an
undertone far from hilarious. "I fear he will, according to custom, make
himself very disagreeable to you."

"I have been thinking it over, Ned," she answered, "and have come to the
conclusion that the better plan will be for you to take the first
favorable opportunity to tell him of my engagement and what is the object