Her face clouded at mention of her aunt and Hoodie and the second bell
rang out.

"Only three more minutes," called a steward close to Marcella's side.
"All for the shore ready, please!"

"You'll be looking after Aunt Janet, doctor?" she said gravely. "And
Wullie? He'll miss me--if you'd make it possible to call and have a few
words with him at the hut when you're passing."

"Yes, Marcella," said the doctor, and found his voice strangely husky.
"And look here, Marcella--you'll be careful?"

Her eyes were looking into his, very bright with tears as she took his
hand in hers and walked towards the gangway with him.

"I couldn't be careful if I tried," she said, laughing, though her eyes
got even more damp than ever. "Why should I be careful?"

"You--you might get sea-sick," stammered the doctor despairingly.

"Oh don't be silly! I'm as much at home on the sea as Tammas. Sea-sick
indeed! Whatever next?"

The third bell clanged deafeningly and the siren of the little tender
hooted at the doctor's efforts to be fatherly.

"Any more for the shore, please?" called one of the ship's officers who
stood ready to cast off, and Marcella thought he looked accusingly at