"I know it," said Jasper, with a twinge at the thought. "Well, there is
nothing more to be said or done, Miss Vanderburgh, since Polly has
decided the matter. Only I want you to remember that I think she is
just right about it."

Fanny Vanderburgh pouted her pretty lips in vexation. "At least, don't
try to get that dreadful boy into our own set to play games," she cried
venomously, "for I won't speak to him. He's a perfect boor. 'Twas only
yesterday he brushed by me like a clumsy elephant, and knocked my book
out of my hand, and never even picked it up. Think of that, Mr. King!"

"I know--that was dreadful," assented Jasper, in dismay at the obstacle
to the plan he had formed in his own mind, to do that very thing he was
now being warned against. "But you see, Miss Vanderburgh, he's all
upset by his Grandfather's sickness."

"And I should think he would be," cried Fanny Vanderburgh, with spirit.
"Mrs. Griswold says she's heard him domineering over the old man, and
then his Grandfather would snarl and scold like everything. She has the
next state-room, you know. I don't see how those Selwyns can afford
such a nice cabin," continued Fanny, her aristocratic nose in the air,
"they look so poor. Anyway that boy is a perfect beast, Mr. King."

"He's very different now," said Jasper, quickly. "He had no idea his
Grandfather was so poorly. Now I'll tell you, Miss Vanderburgh," Jasper
turned sharply around on his heel so that he faced her. It was
necessary with a girl like her to state plainly what he had to say, and
to keep to it. "I am going to ask Tom Selwyn to play games with all us
young people. If it distresses you, or any one else, so that you cannot
join, of course I will withdraw, and I know Polly will, and we will get