"He and I made each other's acquaintance yesterday, and he asked me to call." "You--you called to see _him_ ?" repeated Stephen.

"Why, what in the world-- ?" "I took the liberty of askin' him, Caroline," observed Captain Elisha quietly, and ignoring the last speaker.

"I didn't know you knew him, and I used to sail along with _his_ uncle, so he seemed almost like own folks." "Oh!" Caroline's manner changed.

"I presume it was a business call," she said slowly.

"I beg pardon for interrupting.