a thing."

"My dear George, how impolite you are. What a perfect bear you have
grown to be. Do you want to know who told me?"

"I don't care to know anything about it."

"Well, nevertheless, I shall tell you. _You_ told me."

"I did? Nonsense, I never said anything about it."

"Yes, you did. Your walk showed it. The dejected look showed it, and
when I spoke to you, your actions, your tone, and your words told it to
me plainer than if you had said, 'I proposed to Miss Earle last night
and I was rejected.' You poor, dear innocent, if you don't brighten up
you will tell it to the whole ship."

"I am sure, Blanche, that I am very much obliged to you for the interest
you take in me. Very much obliged, indeed."

"Oh no, you are not; and now, don't try to be sarcastic, it really
doesn't suit your manner at all. I was very anxious to know how your
little flirtation had turned out. I really was. You know I have an
interest in you, George, and always will have, and I wouldn't like that
spiteful little black-haired minx to have got you, and I am very glad
she refused you, although why she did so I cannot for the life of me
imagine."

"It must be hard for you to comprehend why she refused me, now that I am
a partner in the firm." Blanche looked down upon the deck, and did not