sence--Serena had breakfast in her room, a
proceeding which was apparently developing into a habit--the meal was
to Daniel quite like one of the happy breakfasts of Trumet days. Mr.
Hungerford marred the captain's pleasure somewhat by joining the pair
before they left the table, and to him Gertrude was surprisingly cordial
and communicative. Cousin Percy, who had been, at first, rather on his
guard, soon thawed and became almost loquacious. Gertrude and he found a
kindred taste for pictures and art in general, and before the captain's
second cup of coffee was disposed of Mr. Hungerford had invited Miss
Dott to accompany him to a water-color exhibition at a neighboring
studio. Gertrude said she thought she might accept the invitation, if
the exhibition was to remain for a few days.

"Is the artist a friend of yours?" she asked casually.

"Oh, no," was the languid answer. "He's a queer old gink--old chap, I
mean--whose work is quite the go about here recently. Some very decent
people have taken him up, I believe. He's worth meeting, so I'm told, as
a curiosity. I've seen only two or three of his paintings, but they're
really not bad. Some of the fellows at the club were talking about him
the other night. I think you'd enjoy the exhibition, Miss Dott."

"I'm sure I should. I should like to see the pictures and the--er--gink
as well. Thank you very much, Cousin Percy."

When they were alone, Captain Dan turned to his daughter in puzzled
amazement.

"What did you call him 'Cousin Percy' for?" he demanded. "Thought you
thought your mother and I callin' him that was funny; you said you did."

Gertrude laughed. "Did I?" she replied. "Well, perhaps I think so
still."

Whatever she may have thought, it did not prevent her continuing to be
very cordial to the newly discovered relative. He and she were together
a good deal during the day. She seemed to really enjoy his society. The
remainder of the time she spent with her mother. Captain Dan scarcely
saw her except at luncheon and dinner. Once he found her in the kitchen
talking with Azuba, and on another occasion she and Mr. Hapgood were in
conversation, but for her father she could spare only odd moments. The
captain did not know what to make of it. When, taking advantage of a
fleeting opportunity, he asked her she only laughed.

"I am very busy, Daddy," she said. "You mustn't bother."

"Bother! Well, I like that! How long since my company was a bother to
you, Gertie? I