said she had been engaged to—Alfred, wasn't it?"
Peter had forgotten Alfred for the moment; and besides, he was not likely to turn up till the Boomerang got to Plymouth, and he knew his extra hours stopped before that. Still, Alfred did very well as an excuse.
"Ah!" he said, "Alfred. You heard what she said about him? A violent character—with a revolver, Sophia!"
"But you told her you were not afraid of him. I felt so proud of you when you said it. And think, you may be able to bring them together—to heal the breach between them!"
"He's more likely to make a breach in me that won't heal!" said Peter.
"Still, as you said yourself, it isn't as if it was all actually existing. What does it matter, even if he should shoot you?"
"I don't see any advantage in exposing myself to any such unpleasant experiences, even if they are only temporary," he said.
"It is not a question of advantage, Peter," rejoined Sophia; "it is a simple duty, and I'm surprised that you don't see it as such. What-
