"What an escape I have had!"

"You have, indeed."

"Ah, here comes Miss Earle. Really, for a lady who has rejected a
gentleman, she does not look as supremely happy as she might. I must go
and have a talk with her."

"Look here, Blanche," cried the young man, angrily, "if you say a word
to her about what we have been speaking of, I'll----"

"What will you do?" said the young lady, sweetly.

Morris stood looking at her. He didn't himself know what he would do;
and Blanche, bowing to him, walked along the deck, and sat down in the
steamer chair beside Miss Earle, who gave her a very scant recognition.

"Now, you needn't be so cool and dignified," said the lady. "George and
I have been talking over the matter, and I told him he wasn't to feel
discouraged at a first refusal, if he is resolved to have a shop-girl
for his wife."

"What! Mr. Morris and you have been discussing me, have you?"

"Is there anything forbidden in that, Miss Earle? You must remember that
George and I are very, very old friends, old and dear friends. Did you
refuse him on my account? I know you like him."

"Like him?" said Miss Earle, with a fierce light in her eyes, as she