"I know of no barrier," cried Morris, vehemently, attempting to come
over to her side.

"There is the barrier," she said, placing her hand on the flag-pole. "My
place is on this side of that barrier; your place is on the other. If
you come on this side of that flag-pole, I shall leave you. If you
remain on your own side, I shall be very glad to talk with you."

Morris sullenly took his place on the other side of the flag-pole. "Has
there been anything in my actions," said the young lady, "during the
time we have been acquainted that would lead you to expect a different
answer?"

"Yes. You have treated me outrageously at times, and that gave me some
hope."

Miss Earle laughed her low, musical laugh at this remark.

"Oh, you may laugh," said Morris, savagely; "but it is no laughing
matter to me, I assure you."

"Oh, it will be, Mr. Morris, when you come to think of this episode
after you get on shore. It will seem to you very, very funny indeed; and
when you speak to the next young lady on the same subject, perhaps you
will think of how outrageously I have treated your remarks to-night, and
be glad that there are so few young women in the world who would act as
I have done."

"Where did you get the notion," inquired George Morris, "that I am in
the habit of proposing to young ladies? It is a most ridiculous idea. I