She stood by the captain's knee, not knowing whether to climb back again or to resume her seat by the window.

Lucy, noticing the child's discomfort, called to her: "Come here, Ellen, you will tire the captain." The child crossed the room and stood by her mother while Lucy tried to rearrange the glossy curls, tangled by too close contact with the captain's broad shoulder.

In the attempt Ellen lost her balance and fell into her mother's lap.
"Oh, Ellen!" said her mother coldly; "stand up, dear.

You are so careless.

See how you have mussed my gown.