she added, putting out her hand appealingly.

"I think you might have known me better, Florence," he returned.
"I am not offended--what right have I to be offended--only a
little hurt, perhaps, to think that you could doubt me for a
single moment in such a matter. I understand very well, and
appreciate the need for it. Did you expect me to call you Florence
on the quarterdeck of your own vessel, and presume on our old
friendship to embarrass you and set people talking? Good Heavens,
what do you take me for?"

"Don't be angry with me, Frank," she pleaded. "It had to be said,
you know. I wanted you so much to come; I wanted to share my
beautiful vessel with you; and yet I dreaded any kind of a false
position."

"I shall treat you precisely as I would any owner of any ship I
sailed on," he said. "That is, with respect and always preserving
my distance. I will never address you first except to say good-
morning and good-evening, and will show no concern if you do not
speak to me for days on end."

"Oh, Frank, you are an angel!" she cried.

"No," he returned, "only--as far as I can--a gentleman, Miss
Fenacre."

"We needn't begin now, Frank," she exclaimed, almost with
annoyance.