ing us, papa wouldn't allow it."

"Mark my words, he _will_ propose it. As for your father, Richard
has only to lift his finger and your father obeys him. My love, the
happiness of both our lives is at stake." He wound his arm round her,
and gently drew her head back on his bosom, "Other girls have done it,
darling," he pleaded, "why shouldn't you?"

The effort to answer him was too much for her. She gave it up. A low
sigh fluttered through her lips. She nestled closer to him, and faintly
closed her eyes. The next instant she started up, trembling from head
to foot, and looked at the sky-light. Richard Turlington's voice was
suddenly audible on deck exactly above them.

"Graybrooke, I want to say a word to you about Launcelot Linzie."

Natalie's first impulse was to fly to the door. Hearing Launce's name on
Richard's lips, she checked herself. Something in Richard's tone roused
in her the curiosity which suspends fear. She waited, with her hand in
Launce's hand.

"If you remember," the brassy voice went on, "I doubted the wisdom of
taking him with us on this cruise. You didn't agree with me, and, at
your express request, I gave way. I did wrong. Launcelot Linzie is a
very presuming young man."

Sir Joseph's answer was accompanied by Sir Joseph's mellow laugh.

"My dear Richard! Surely you are a little hard on Launce?"

"You are not an observant man, Graybrooke. I am. I see signs of his
presuming with all of us, and especially with Natalie. I don't like
the manner in which he speaks to her and looks at her. He is unduly
familiar; he is insolently confidential. There must be a stop put to it.
In my position, my feelings ought to be regarded. I request you to check
the intimacy when we get on shore."

Sir Joseph's next words were spoken more seriously. He expressed his
surprise.

"My dear Richard, they are cousins, they have been playmates from
childhood. How _can_ you think of attaching the slightest importance to
anything that is said or done by poor Launce?"

There was a good-humored contempt in Sir Joseph's reference to "poor
Launce" which jarred on his daughter. He might almost have been alluding
to some harmless domestic animal. Natalie's color deepened. Her hand
pressed Launce's hand gently.

Turlington still persisted.

"I must once more request--seriously request--that you will check this
growing intimacy. I don't object to your asking him to the house when
you ask other friends. I only wish you (a