of our journey."

"I presume such a course will be likely to save you a good deal of
annoyance," Edward said; "and as we are old acquaintances, and he
evidently full of a curiosity that will assuredly lead to his asking some
questions, I think it will be no difficult matter to give him the
information without seeming to thrust it upon him."

At that moment Philip came up and joined them, helping himself to a seat
on Elsie's other side. He seemed to be, as of old, on the best of terms
with himself and very graciously disposed toward Elsie.

He, too, had been thinking of the, to him, fortunate chance (Elsie would
have called it providence) which had thrown them together where for some
days they were likely to see much of each other. He had heard a report of
her engagement, but refused to credit it. "She had always been fond of him
and it wasn't likely she would throw herself away on somebody else." And
now he had come to the decision to offer her his hand, heart, and fortune
without delay. He was rich enough, and why should he keep her in suspense
any longer?

He indulged in a few trivial commonplaces, then invited her to take a turn
with him on the deck.

But she declined with thanks, "he must excuse her for she was greatly
fatigued and must retire at once." And with a kindly "Good-night," she
withdrew to her state-room, Edward again giving her the support of his
arm.

Philip was literally struck dumb with surprise, and did not recover his