s she
became interested in the novel and found that her suggestions concerning
it were considered valuable, she looked forward to his visits and was
disappointed if, for any reason, they were deferred. Without being aware
of it, she began to like the young author, not alone because he wrote
entertainingly and flattered her by listening respectfully to her
criticisms, or because her father had liked him, but for himself.

Captain Elisha was much pleased.

"I told you, Jim!" he said. "She's just as glad to see you as I am. Now
don't you see how foolish it was to stay away 'cause you and 'Bije had
a spat? Think of all the good times we'd have missed! And we needed a
female aboard your Uncle Jim's craft, to help with 'Mary' and the rest."

His friend nodded. "She has been a great help, certainly," he answered.
"But I can't help feeling guilty every time I come here. It is too much
like obtaining her friendship under false pretenses. She should know the
whole thing, I believe."

"She shall know it, when I think it's time for her to. But I want her to
know you first. Then she'll be able to judge without so much prejudice.
I told you I'd take the responsibility. You leave the ship in my charge
for a spell."

In spite of this confident assertion, the captain also felt a trifle
guilty. He realized that selfishness was involved in his keeping
Pearson's secret from his niece. He was thoroughly enjoying himself with
these two, and he could not bear to risk the breaking up which might
follow disclosure.

One evening, while a "clinic" was in progress and the three were deep
in consultation, Edwards entered to announce Mrs. Corcoran Dunn and
Mr. Malcolm. The butler's giving the lady precedence in his announcing
showed that he, too, realized who was ranking officer in that family,
even though the captain's "conundrum" had puzzled him. Mrs. Dunn and her
son entered at his heels.

[Illustration: "She and the young man became better acquainted at each
succeeding 'literary clinic.'"]

The lady took in the group by the table at a glance: Pearson, with
the manuscript in his hands; Captain Elisha leaning back in his chair,
frowning at the interruption; Caroline rising to welcome the guests, and
coloring slightly as she did so. All these details Mrs. Dunn noted, made
an entry in her mental memorandum-book, and underscored it for future
reference.

If she discerned unpleasant possibilities in the situation, she did
not allow them to