see such things. He placed himself well behind Eve, and looked
around him with a wondering awe.

"I think, my dear," he said, "that it would have been better if you
had come alone. I--you know I am getting too old to learn manners
now--eh--he! he! Yes. Having been so long at sea, you know."

"I think the sea teaches men manners, uncle," said Eve, with a
little smile which he did not understand. "At any rate," she went
on, touching his rough sleeve affectionately, "it teaches them
something that I like."

"Does it, now? What, now? Tell me."

"I do not know," answered the girl, as if speaking to herself, and
at this moment the door was opened. The man who came in was of
medium height, with a long, narrow face, and singularly patient
eyes.

"I should have known you," he said, approaching Eve, and holding out
his hand. "You do not remember your mother? I do, however. You
are like her--and she was a good woman. And this is Captain
Bontnor--your uncle."

He shook hands with the old sailor without the faintest flicker of
surprise at his somewhat incongruous appearance.

"I am glad," he said suavely, "to make Captain Bontnor's
acquaintance."