The promise to Philip had been explained to Mr. Elston, and he had agreed to let Mrs. Barlow and the girls go for a while, although his consent was given with many expressions of reluctance.
“Nevertheless,” he said, as they reached the deck, “as I’m to be self-sacrificing, it becomes my painful duty to tell you that Philip, or rather, his launch, is almost here.
“I had begun to hope that you might lose your way,” he said, as the little craft appeared.
“Ah! no, indeed, sir; there’s no danger of that when I have the chance of entertaining ladies. Are you ready, Mrs. Barlow? I can’t very well leave the boat; but if Mr. Elston will help you down—”
Mrs. Barlow hesitated as she looked at the little naphtha launch.
“Will it hold us all?”
“Yes, indeed; why, eight or nine persons could be crowded in, if necessary,” he added.
“You’re sure you can manage it yourself?” again asked Mrs. Barlow.
“Oh, yes, indeed! Why not? It’s the simplest kind of an engine. I ’ll do my best to get you safely to the ‘Balloon.’ Why, you ’re not afraid, are you, Julia?” he continued, as Julia stood there, gazing at the launch. It seemed to him that there was a shade of anxiety on her face.
“Well, I’m not such a mermaid as Brenda; and if anything should happen—”
