"I believe that," said the young man. "I presume I may sit beside you while you are reading your book?"
"You certainly may, if you wish to. The deck is not mine, only that portion of it, I suppose, which I occupy with the steamer chair. I have no authority over any of the rest."
"Now, is that a refusal or an acceptance?"
"It is whichever you choose to think."
"Well, if it is a refusal, it is probably softening down the 'No,' but if it is an acceptance it is rather an ungracious one, it seems to me."
"Well, then, I shall be frank with you. I am very much interested in this book. I should a great deal rather read it than talk to you."
"Oh, thank you, Miss Earle. There can be no possible doubt about your meaning now."
"Well, I am glad of that, Mr. Morris. I am always pleased to think that I can speak in such a way as not to be misunderstood."
"I don't see any possible way of misunderstanding that. I wish I did."
"And then, after lunch," said the young lady, "I think I shall finish the book before that time if you care to sit beside me or to walk the deck with me, I shall be very glad to tell you the story."
"Now, that is perfectly delightful," cried the
