"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 shopgirl 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."
