I have quailed under the eagle eye of my Captain once or
twice this evening, and I have been rather endeavoring to keep out of
his sight. I fear he has found something new about me of which to
disapprove, so I have quite determined not to dance, unless you would
consent to dance with me, in which case I am quite ready to brave his
reproachful glances."
"Have you done anything wrong lately?"
"Heaven only knows! I try not to be purposely wicked, and indeed have
put forth extra efforts to be extra good, but it seems all of no
avail. I endeavor to go about the ship with a subdued, humble,
unobtrusive air, but this is rather difficult for a person of my size.
I don't think a man can droop successfully unless he's under six feet
in height."
Dorothy laughed with quiet content. She was surprised to find herself
so much at her ease with him, and so mildly happy. They shared a
secret together, and that of itself was an intangible bond linking him
with her who had no ties with any one else. She liked him; had liked
him from the first; and his unconcealed delight in her company was
gratifying to a girl who heretofore had found none to offer her the
gentle courtesies of life.
"Is it the Russian business again? You do not look very much troubled
about it."
"Ah, that is-- that is--" he stammered in apparent confusion, then
blurted out, "because you-- because I am sitting here. Although I have
met you but once before, it seems somehow as if I had known you
always, and my slight anxiety that I told you of fades away in your
presence.
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